131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 2085 LR 2832(01)
An Act to Update Maine's Domestic Violence and Stalking Laws
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Sen. Carney of Cumberland
Committee: Judiciary
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium savings - General Fund
Minor cost increase - General Fund
Minor revenue increase - General Fund
Minor revenue increase – Other Special Revenue Funds
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
The bill adds a requirement to the stalking, terrorizing and harassment laws for Class C, D and E crimes that the person must have consciously disregarded a risk that the person's speech would place a reasonable person in fear of bodily injury. It is unclear how many  individuals may not be convicted of a Class C crime who otherwise would have been. The current average cost of incarcerating one individual for a single year is $55,203. No appropriations are reduced in this bill to reflect potential cost savings to the Department of Corrections.
 
The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.
The collection of additional fines will increase General Fund or other dedicated revenue by minor amounts.