131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 2085 LR 2832(03)
An Act to Update Maine's Domestic Violence and Stalking Laws
Fiscal Note for Bill as Engrossed with:
C "A" (S-528)
Committee: Judiciary
             
Fiscal Note
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
This 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 substantial 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.