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LD 1745

An Act To Stabilize Residential Treatment Capacity For Children And Youth In Maine

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Brennan and 8 co-sponsors

LD 1745: An Act To Stabilize Residential Treatment Capacity For Children And Youth In Maine OverviewBill Number: LD 1745 Title: An Act To Stabilize Residential Treatment Capacity

Became Law without Governor's Signature
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Bill Summary · LD 1745

LD 1745: An Act To Stabilize Residential Treatment Capacity For Children And Youth In Maine

Overview

Bill Number: LD 1745
Title: An Act To Stabilize Residential Treatment Capacity For Children And Youth In Maine
Status: HELD BY THE GOVERNOR
Introduced: April 22, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address the shortage of residential treatment options for children and youth in Maine who are experiencing mental health crises or severe behavioral issues. The legislation seeks to stabilize and expand the state's capacity to provide appropriate, high-quality residential treatment services to meet the growing demand.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes the Residential Treatment Capacity Fund, a dedicated funding source to support the development and operation of new and existing residential treatment facilities
  • Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to conduct a statewide assessment of residential treatment needs and develop a plan to expand capacity
  • Provides financial incentives, including grants and loan guarantees, to encourage the establishment of new residential treatment programs and the expansion of existing ones
  • Directs DHHS to set minimum standards for staffing, programming, and quality of care at residential treatment facilities
  • Mandates regular reporting on residential treatment capacity, utilization, and outcomes to inform future policy decisions

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Children and youth in Maine who require intensive residential mental health or behavioral treatment services
  • Families of these children, who often struggle to access appropriate care in their local communities
  • Residential treatment providers, who will benefit from increased funding and support to expand their services
  • The state's overall mental health and child welfare systems, which aim to better serve high-need youth through improved residential treatment capacity

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the Maine Legislature on April 22, 2025 and is currently being held by the Governor. If signed into law, the Residential Treatment Capacity Fund would be established, and the Department of Health and Human Services would have 6 months to complete the statewide assessment and develop the capacity expansion plan. Ongoing reporting and monitoring requirements would ensure the legislation's impact is tracked and evaluated over time.

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

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