Maine Senate gives unanimous initial approval to Sen. Duson bill to fund services for survivors of sexual assault

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Maine Senate gave unanimous initial approval to a bill sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill C. Duson, D-Portland, that will provide funding for critical services to support survivors of sexual assault. LD 117, as written, would allocate $1.23 million in the 2025/2026 biennium and $1.83 million in the 2026/2027 biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funding for sexual assault survivor advocates.

“The unanimous, bipartisan support this bill received on the floor signifies that this issue transcends party lines,” said Sen. Duson. “When our constituents are in a time of crisis and look to access these crucial, often life-saving, services it’s incumbent on us as lawmakers to guarantee these services and survivor advocates are ready and available. This bill, LD 117, will ensure that and I look forward to carrying it across the finish line to the Governor’s desk.” 

In the 131st Legislature, Sen. Duson sponsored LD 566, “An Act to Provide Funding for Sexual Assault Services,” which was also sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators and aimed at boosting the salaries of sexual assault survivor advocates. This bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and House before being pocket vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills upon adjournment.

“[Advocates] are the most essential part of the network that supports sexual violence victims,” said Betty Nelson Cheff of Newcastle in written testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee. “Their specialized training gives victims a safe place to emote, discuss and recover from their experiences. Sexual violence advocates at a minimum deserve a living wage.”

LD 117 faces further votes in the Senate and House before heading to the Governor’s desk for a signature.

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