Sen. Carney bill to fund services and staff at the new drug treatment court in Aroostook County heads to the Governor’s desk

The 131st Maine State Legislature passed a proposal to create the new drug treatment court. Sen. Carney has sponsored a bill to fund its services and staff.

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, June 25, the Maine Senate voted unanimously to send LD 779, “An Act to Fund the Aroostook County Drug Treatment Court,” to the Governor’s desk. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, would fund services and staff at the new drug treatment court in Aroostook County. It would also allocate funds to the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) in the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and to the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services. If LD 779 becomes law, these funds are projected to become available after July 1, 2026.

“All Mainers deserve access to justice and recovery, everywhere in our state,” said Sen. Carney. “Funding the services and staff for a Treatment and Recovery Court in the County will allow us to fulfill Maine’s commitment to those with substance use disorder who interact with the criminal justice system; it provides access to local treatment and recovery options throughout our state. This is a critical investment in a region of our state where it is needed most.”

LD 779 would also allocate funds to allow OBH to contract with an organization to provide pre-trial services and to establish an Assistant District Attorney position at the court.

Aroostook County is the only county in Maine that is not currently served by a specialty court.

LD 779 now heads to the Governor’s desk for her signature.

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