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LD 1656

An Act To Facilitate Compliance With Federal Immigration Law By State And Local Government Entities

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Adams and 9 co-sponsors

The bill would have the Maine Attorney General enforce provisions to facilitate compliance with federal immigration law, creating ongoing costs starting in FY 2026-27.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#compliancewithfederallaw #immigration #legalservices
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1656

Summary of LD 1656 – An Act To Facilitate Compliance With Federal Immigration Law By State And Local Government Entities

Overview

LD 1656, introduced on April 15, 2025, seeks to facilitate compliance with federal immigration law by state and local government entities. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee, underwent a work session, and was reported out as ONTP/OTP-AM. After consideration, it was ultimately placed in Legislative Files as Dead (DEAD). The fiscal note accompanies the bill and outlines potential costs and administrative implications.

  • Bill number: LD 1656
  • Official title: An Act To Facilitate Compliance With Federal Immigration Law By State And Local Government Entities
  • Committee: Judiciary
  • Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
  • Introduced: April 15, 2025
  • Version: LR 588(02)
  • Fiscal note approval: June 9, 2025

Purpose and Intent

  • The central aim is to facilitate the state and local governmental entities’ compliance with federal immigration law. The bill contemplates some form of enforcement framework overseen by the state’s legal apparatus.

Key Provisions (Based on Fiscal Note)

  • Administrative Enforcement: The Office of the Maine Attorney General would administer and enforce the provisions of the bill. The fiscal note specifies personnel to support this work: one Assistant Attorney General and one part-time Attorney General Detective, along with related costs.
  • Civil Proceedings: The bill may increase the number of civil suits filed in Maine’s court system. The note characterizes the anticipated workload as modest and not requiring additional funding at this time.
  • Revenue from Fees/Fines: The bill could generate minor increases in General Fund or other dedicated revenue through fines and filing fees.
  • General Fund Appropriations:
    • FY 2025-26: No appropriation needed (as per the note’s figures).
    • FY 2026-27: $285,256 appropriated for the AG’s office.
    • FY 2027-28: $296,422
    • FY 2028-29: $323,907
  • Net Cost/Savings: The General Fund shows a net cost pattern starting in FY 2026-27, consistent with ongoing operational costs for enforcement personnel.

Fiscal Impact

  • The bill would create ongoing General Fund costs beginning in FY 2026-27 for one Assistant Attorney General and one part-time detective, plus related costs.
  • Expected modest increase in civil litigation and minor revenue from fines/filing fees.
  • Overall, the fiscal note anticipates a manageable impact on state finances, with specific appropriations allocated to support enforcement activities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Maine Office of the Attorney General (enforcement and administration of the provisions)
  • State and local government entities subject to the bill’s requirements
  • Courts (potential slight uptick in civil filings)
  • General public, through enforcement actions and potential minor fee revenue

Legislative History and Status

  • April 15, 2025: Referred to Judiciary
  • June 4, 2025: Work session; reported as divided (ONTP/OTP-AM)
  • June 17, 2025: Majority Ought Not to Pass reports accepted; concurrence votes taken
  • June 17, 2025: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)

Notes

  • Text specifics of the bill’s provisions are not included in the materials provided; the summary above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the fiscal note’s implications.
  • The bill’s status as DEAD indicates it did not advance to enactment.

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

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