Sen. Chip Curry bill to study emergency medical services for island communities advances with unanimous, bipartisan support

AUGUSTA — A bill from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, that would establish a working group to study the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to island communities has advanced with unanimous, bipartisan support in committee. The Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety voted in favor of LD 841, “Resolve, to Study the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services to and Ferry Service Effects on Island Communities in the State,” during a work session on April 16.

“Our Island communities face unique and complex challenges when meeting their Emergency Medical needs. The response system can include the ferry service, Life Flight, private boats and even the Coast Guard,” said Sen. Curry. “This bill is about making sure no Mainer is left without timely access to care simply because of where they live. I’m grateful to the committee for recognizing the urgency of this issue and supporting this step toward solutions.”

As amended, LD 841 directs the Department of Public Safety to convene a working group made up of ferry service officials, EMS professionals, island representatives and key stakeholders to study how EMS is delivered to Maine’s island communities and assess how changes to ferry service may affect that delivery. The working group is to report its recommendations to the Legislature by December 3, 2025.

The amendment also adds an emergency preamble to the bill. This designation means that the bill must pass both the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority and will take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature, rather than 90 days after the end of the legislative session, as is typical for most bills. The emergency preamble reflects the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee’s recognition of the urgent need to address potential disruptions in EMS access for island residents.

LD 841 was proposed in response to reports that the Department of Transportation and the Maine State Ferry Service are considering changing overnight ferry berthing from the islands to the mainland. While the intent is to improve operational efficiency and address workforce needs, island residents are concerned that this change could delay response times in life-threatening situations. During their off hours from traditional transportation services, ferries provide a critical emergency medical service (EMS) function, transporting patients to the mainland.

LD 841 now heads to the full Legislature for further votes in the Senate and House.

Sen. Curry is serving his third term in the Maine Senate, representing all of Waldo County. He serves as the Senate Chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee and sits on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.