Sen. Anne Carney to chair the Judiciary Committee for the 132nd Maine State Legislature 

AUGUSTA — Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, has been appointed by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to serve as Senate chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary for the 132nd Maine State Legislature.

The Judiciary Committee oversees Maine’s Judicial Branch and court system. The committee is also responsible for laws relating to firearms, reproductive health care, the Wabanaki Nations and a broad range of civil and human rights matters.

“Serving as the Senate chair of the Judiciary Committee has been an incredible opportunity to use my legal experience to help improve the lives of people across Maine, and I look forward to continuing this work over the next two years,” said Sen. Carney. “I am especially excited to further expand access to our justice system for those who need it most, including older Mainers, Mainers with disabilities, and Mainers with lower incomes. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to improve our child custody court procedures, reduce gun violence in our communities and protect access to reproductive health care throughout our state.”
 
Sen. Carney will also serve on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, a committee that looks after Maine’s lakes, rivers, streams and wildlife, as well as regulates hunting, boating and off-road vehicles.

“Maine’s pristine waters and abundant natural resources are what make our state such a great place to live, and they are crucial to economic opportunities for Mainers throughout the state,” said Sen. Carney. “Every time I fish, hike and canoe in our beautiful outdoors, I’m awed by Maine’s natural resources and inspired to advance environmental protection with my work in the Senate. I am excited to advance this goal on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. I will promote bills that protect the water quality of our lakes and rivers, as well as support responsible management of our fisheries and wildlife populations. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to ensure sustainable access for current and future generations.” 

Additionally, Sen. Carney will serve as Senate chair of the Legislature’s Joint Rules Committee, which assists in carrying out the responsibilities of the Legislature. 

Lawmakers are assigned to committees by the presiding officers based on their interests, experience and professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three senators and ten representatives. 

Sen. Carney is serving her third term in the Maine Senate. In the 131st Maine State Legislature, she was the Senate chair of the Judiciary Committee. She also served as a member of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the Joint Rules Committee.

Sen. Carney represents Maine Senate District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, and part of Scarborough. The Legislature is set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2025.

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