130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 545		LR 509(02)
	An Act To Combat the Sexual Exploitation of Minors in Maine
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Judiciary
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential future biennium cost increase - General Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	Establishes new Class B crimes; increases correctional and judicial costs The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new felony cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.  The collection of additional fines may increase General Fund and other dedicated revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill establishes a Class B crime for patronizing prostitution of a minor, which is currently a Class C or D crime depending on certain circumstances. It is unclear how many additional individuals will be convicted of a Class B crime who otherwise would have been charged with Class C or D crimes. The current average cost of incarcerating an individual for a single year is $55,203. The Department of Corrections has not indicated the need for additional funding at this time and no funding is included in the bill.
	Additionally, elevating the class of this crime may increase costs to the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services. However, any additional cost is expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.