Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross bill to establish a permanent Criminal Records Review Commission advances with committee support

Posted: May 27, 2025 | Judiciary, Senator Talbot Ross

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, May 27, the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary voted to advance legislation fAUGUSTA — On Tuesday, May 27, the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary voted to advance legislation from Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, to establish a permanent Criminal Records Review Commission tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms to Maine’s criminal history record policies. LD 259, “An Act to Establish the Criminal Records Review Commission in Statute,” seeks to reduce systemic barriers that hinder individuals from successfully reintegrating into society after serving their sentences.

“For too long, Maine’s criminal records policies have created unnecessary and lasting barriers to employment, housing and opportunity,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “LD 259 is about moving beyond one-time reviews and creating a standing body that can guide thoughtful, long-term criminal justice reform. This is about justice, accountability and making Maine a state where people who’ve paid their debt to society are truly given a second chance.”

In 2021, then-Representative and House Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross sponsored LD 563, “Resolve, To Create the Criminal Records Review Committee,” which established the Criminal Records Review Committee (CRRC) to study Maine’s processes for sealing and expunging criminal records, aiming to balance public safety with the need to remove unnecessary barriers for individuals who have served their sentences.

In 2023, while serving as Speaker of the House, Talbot Ross championed LD 1622 to reestablish the committee, allowing it to continue its work and refine its recommendations. The CRRC ultimately concluded that a permanent body is necessary to ensure Maine’s criminal history record policies remain just, effective and responsive to evolving legal and societal needs.

To implement that recommendation, LD 259 would:

  • Establish a permanent Criminal Records Review Commission within statute;
  • Empower the Commission to provide ongoing evaluation of Maine’s criminal history record policies;
  • Authorize the Commission to submit legislation at the start of each regular legislative session.

In the public hearing for the bill, Sen. Talbot Ross emphasized that the bill strikes an essential balance between promoting fairness and upholding public safety, noting that a standing commission allows Maine to be proactive in reform, rather than reactive to crises.

The bill now heads to the full Senate and House for consideration.

Sen. Talbot Ross is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing part of her hometown of Portland and Peaks Island. She serves as the Senate Chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and sits on the Judiciary Committee.