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LD 273

An Act To Preserve Legislative Authority Over Investigating Committees

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mana Abdi and 9 co-sponsors

Requires a 2/3 vote in each chamber to grant any executive-ordered entity the powers to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, or take depositions.

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
#committees #investigatorycommittees #legislature
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Bill Summary · LD 273

LD 273 — An Act to Preserve Legislative Authority Over Investigating Committees

Overview

LD 273, introduced January 28, 2025, seeks to preserve legislative control over the authority granted to investigate committees. The bill would require a high-level, bi-cameral vote to empower any entity created by executive order to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and take depositions. It was amended and presented for enactment in June 2025, and is currently carried over to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature under Joint Order SP 800.

Purpose and Key Provisions

  • Primary aim: Ensure that powers typically associated with legislative oversight (oaths, subpoenas, depositions) tied to investigating activities remain under Legislature’s authority, rather than being granted automatically to an executive-ordered entity.
  • Major provision: The bill would require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of members present in each house of the Legislature in order to grant to an entity created by executive order the authority to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and take depositions.
  • Amendments: The bill has been amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-567) and passed through the standard legislative steps reflecting that amendment, though the specific changes from the amendment are not detailed in the provided content.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary actors: The Maine Legislature and any executive-orderedInvestigating Committee or similar entity that would seek powers to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, or take depositions.
  • Effect if enacted: Before an executive-ordered entity could gain such powers, the Legislature would require a 2/3 vote in each chamber, reinforcing legislative control over investigative tools and processes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature per Joint Order SP 800. This means it remains active for consideration in future sessions without summary passage.
  • Key legislative actions:
    • Committee and floor actions culminated June 9–10, 2025, with passage to be engrossed as amended by Committee Amendment A (H-567) and sent for concurrence.
    • June 10, 2025: Placed on the Special Appropriations Table pending enactment in concurrence.
    • June 25, 2025: Carried over again, in the same posture, to any special or regular session per SP 800.
  • Fiscal note: Approved June 1, 2025. It notes potential legislative costs tied to any required special sessions and the need to fund regular sessions plus two special-session days per fiscal year. The exact cost depends on the frequency of interim special sessions.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal note indicates potential costs related to scheduling and funding special sessions if required to grant or exercise the proposed authority. The Legislature’s baseline budget covers regular sessions and two special-session days per fiscal year; additional or more frequent sessions would affect available funds.

Summary

LD 273 seeks to maintain tight legislative control over investigative powers by requiring a 2/3 vote in each chamber to empower an executive-ordered entity with oaths, subpoenas, and depositions. It reflects a structural check on executive-ordered investigative bodies, ensuring substantial legislative backing before such powers are granted. The bill remains alive for consideration in future sessions and carries potential fiscal implications tied to any required special sessions.

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

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