Lawmakers approve automatic record sealing for low-level crimes, but cost could be a barrier

By: Emma Davis

Outlets: Maine Morning Star

Published: April 8, 2026

Words: 752

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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The Maine Legislature threw its initial approval behind legislation to adopt an automatic record sealing system for certain low-level crimes, which would expand the current petition-based process.

But, cost could again be a barrier.

After passing the Senate 20-12 and the House 81-65, lawmakers placed the bill on the “appropriations table,” where proposals not otherwise funded in the budget go to vie for remaining dollars. There are currently nearly 250 bills on the …

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