Senate advances Sen. Carney bill to fund services and staff at the new drug treatment court in Aroostook County in unanimous vote

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

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, June 4, the Maine Senate voted unanimously in support of LD 779, “An Act to Fund the Aroostook County Drug Treatment Court.” 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.

“This bill expands access to justice for Mainers impacted by the opioid crisis and substance use disorder by funding a Treatment and Recovery Court in the County,” said Sen. Carney. “Funding this specialty court’s services and staff will allow us to fulfill Maine’s commitment to provide access to local treatment and recovery options throughout our state for individuals with substance use disorder who interact with the criminal justice system. 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.

The Maine House voted unanimously in support of LD 779 on Thursday, June 5. The bill now faces additional votes in both the Senate and the House.

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