Sen. Chip Curry bill to study emergency medical services for island communities signed by Gov. Mills

AUGUSTA — On Friday, June 20, a bill from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, that would establish a working group to study the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to Maine’s island communities was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.

LD 841, “Resolve, to Study the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services to and Ferry Service Effects on Island Communities in the State,” aims to ensure that island residents have timely access to critical care, even in the face of evolving transportation logistics.

“No one should be left waiting in an emergency because of where they live. Our island communities are resilient and resourceful, but they also face unique logistical hurdles that require thoughtful, coordinated solutions,” said Sen. Curry. “This law brings together the people who know these challenges best — residents, first responders, and ferry officials — to chart a path forward. I’m proud we’re taking this step to ensure that every Mainer, regardless of geography, can count on timely, reliable emergency care.”

As amended, LD 841 would direct the Department of Public Safety to convene a working group composed of EMS professionals, island residents, ferry service officials and other key stakeholders. The group will study how EMS is currently delivered to Maine’s island communities and assess how potential changes to ferry service — particularly overnight berthing shifts — may impact response times. The group must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 3, 2025.

LD 841, being an emergency measure, took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature.

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