Explanation of Bill
Bill Explanation
Page 1 - 131LR0006(03) STATE OF MAINE
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-THREE
H.P. 857 - L.D. 1343
An Act to Protect the Reproductive Freedom of Maine People by Preempting the Field of Abortion Regulation
This bill aims to protect the reproductive rights of individuals in the state of Maine by taking control over the legislation and regulations related to termination of pregnancy, also known as abortion.
Section 1. 22 MRSA §1598, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
A new section called "1-A" is added to the existing law with the purpose of preemption. "Preemption" means that the state claims exclusive authority to regulate and make laws regarding a person's decision to terminate a pregnancy and the provision of abortion services. This means that no other political subdivision within Maine, including municipalities, counties, townships, plantations, and village corporations, can create their own rules, regulations, or ordinances related to abortion or an individual's choice to terminate a pregnancy.
APPROVED JUNE 28, 2023 BY GOVERNOR
CHAPTER 352
PUBLIC LAW