Bill
LD 1060
Funds a one-time $200,000 total to DHHS for an online parental resources hub and stigma-reducing outreach as part of Maine’s Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan.
LD 1060 — An Act To Provide Funding To Reduce Stigma For Parents Seeking Support
Overview
LD 1060 seeks to provide funding to reduce stigma associated with parents seeking support services. The bill would allocate a one-time General Fund appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to create an online resource hub and run a communications campaign as part of Maine’s Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan. The bill is currently carried over to a future session.
Purpose and Intent
- Improve access to parental supports by reducing stigma that may deter parents from seeking help.
- Establish an online resource hub and a public communications campaign to inform and encourage parents to utilize available services.
- Integrate these efforts within Maine’s broader Maine Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan.
Key Provisions
- Funding: One-time General Fund appropriation of $100,000 in FY 2025-26 and $100,000 in FY 2026-27 to DHHS.
- Uses of Funds: Development and maintenance of an online resource hub and a communications campaign aimed at supporting parents who may need services related to child safety, family well-being, maternal health, and parental support.
- Plan Alignment: Funds are designated as part of the Maine Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan.
Fiscal Impact
- Net Cost / Savings (General Fund): $100,000 in FY 2025-26 and $100,000 in FY 2026-27; $0 in subsequent years.
- Appropriations/Allocations: $100,000 in FY 2025-26 and $100,000 in FY 2026-27; $0 thereafter.
- These figures reflect a one-time funding package intended to support the online hub and outreach efforts.
Affected Parties
- Primary: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its program partners implementing the online resource hub and campaign.
- Parents and families in Maine who may require supportive services but face stigma or barriers to seeking help.
- Service providers and community organizations involved in child safety, family well-being, and parental support programs.
Procedural and Timeline Context
- Introduced: March 12, 2025.
- Committee: Health and Human Services; sponsor Rep. Meyer of Eliot.
- Legislative actions: Work session and votes in spring 2025, including Committee Amendment “A” (H-149) adopted; bill advanced through readings and placed on concurrence/appropriations timelines.
- Fiscal Notes: Two fiscal notes (LR 1825(01) and LR 1825(02)) confirm $100,000 appropriations in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 for the online hub and campaign.
- Status: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
Notes
- The bill’s enacted status depends on future legislative action; as of now, it remains carried over and has not become law.
- The targeted investment is relatively modest and time-limited, intended to catalyze stigma-reducing outreach and resource accessibility within the broader framework of Maine’s child safety and family well-being efforts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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