129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1023 LR 1931(02)
An Act Regarding the Definition of "Serious Bodily Injury" in the Maine Criminal Code
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 Projections  FY 2021-22 Projections  FY 2022-23
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $19,881 $26,508 $26,508 $26,508
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $19,881 $26,508 $26,508 $26,508
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
Increase in the incidence of Class A, B, and C crimes; increases correctional and judicial costs.
The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new felony cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.
The collection of additional fine revenue will increase General Fund and dedicated revenue by minor amounts.
The Department of Corrections has not indicated a need for additional funding.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill expands the definition of serious bodily injury to include bodily injuries that cause the need for extended convalescence for recovery of mental health. The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services estimates its caseload for multiple charges will increase by approximately 20%. The bill includes ongoing General Fund appropriations of $19,881 in fiscal year 2019-20 and $26,508 in fiscal year 2020-21 for this increase in caseload.