Governor signs Sen. Carney bill to fund services and staff at the new drug treatment court in Aroostook County
AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, July 1, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, that funds services and staff at the new drug treatment court in Aroostook County. LD 779, “An Act to Fund the Aroostook County Drug Treatment Court,” will ensure that the drug treatment court created in the County by the 131st Maine State Legislature can become operational and serve its intended role in Maine’s response to the opioid crisis.
“All Mainers, no matter where they live, deserve access to justice and recovery,” said Sen. Carney. “This bill provides access to local treatment and recovery options throughout our state, enabling us to fulfill Maine’s commitment to those with substance use disorder who interact with the criminal justice system. It’s also an issue personally close to my heart, as services like this could have helped save my brother’s life before he lost his battle against substance use disorder. This is a critical investment that will help protect lives in a region of our state where it is needed most.”
LD 779 allocates funds to the Office of Behavioral Health in the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to allow it to contract with an organization to provide pre-trial services at the Aroostook County Drug Treatment Court. It also funds a new Assistant District Attorney position and the provision of public defense services at the court.
Aroostook County is the only county in Maine that is not currently served by a specialty court.
The funding in this bill is scheduled to become available after July 1, 2026.
###