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LD 1918

An Act To Clarify The Criminal History Record Information Act With Respect To Criminal Charges Dismissed As The Result Of A Plea Agreement

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Amy Kuhn

LD 1918 clarifies Maine law on how dismissed charges from plea agreements appear in criminal history records, affecting background check visibility and collateral consequences for individuals.

The Bill was in the possession of the House when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
#criminalhistories #criminalhistoryrecords #dismissedcharges
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Bill Summary · LD 1918

Legislative bill overview

LD 1918 clarifies how Maine's Criminal History Record Information Act treats criminal charges that are dismissed as part of a plea agreement. The bill addresses ambiguity in existing law regarding whether such dismissed charges should be reported, sealed, or handled differently from other dismissed charges. This is a technical clarification bill focused on record management practices rather than substantive criminal law changes.

Why is this important

Criminal records significantly affect employment, housing, licensing, and other opportunities. Clarifying how dismissed charges appear in background checks determines whether individuals can move forward after plea negotiations. For those who accept plea deals dismissing certain charges, the visibility of those dismissed charges in records can undermine the rehabilitative intent of the agreement and create ongoing collateral consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • Plea negotiation incentives: Clarifying treatment of dismissed charges may affect how prosecutors and defendants negotiate, potentially influencing guilty plea rates and sentencing practices
  • Public access vs. privacy: Balancing legitimate public safety interests in accessing criminal history against privacy rights of individuals whose charges were dismissed
  • Retroactive application: Whether clarifications apply only to future cases or reach back to previously dismissed charges, affecting current record accuracy and individuals' ability to petition for corrections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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