Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD794

Introduced
3/4/25  
Refer
3/4/25  
Engrossed
5/7/25  

Caption

An Act to Include Judicial Marshals in the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

Impact

If successful, this bill would have a significant impact on the structure of retirement benefits for future judicial marshals. Currently, the 1998 Special Plan provides different service retirement benefits that are more favorable than what is traditionally offered to regular state employees. By including judicial marshals, the bill seeks to ensure they receive equitable treatment regarding retirement plans, which could help in attracting and retaining quality personnel in these roles. Furthermore, it aligns the retirement benefits of judicial marshals with other classifications of state employees, promoting uniformity in public sector employment benefits.

Summary

LD794, titled 'An Act to Include Judicial Marshals in the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement', aims to amend the retirement benefits for judicial marshals employed by the judicial branch in Maine. This bill proposes incorporating judicial marshals hired on or after October 1, 2025, into the benefits framework of the 1998 Special Plan, which is designed to provide specific retirement benefits to eligible state workers. The intention is to recognize the unique nature of their service and provide them with similar retirement securities as other public employees covered under the plan.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding LD794 is supportive, particularly among stakeholders advocating for judicial marshals' rights and benefits. Proponents argue that judicial marshals provide essential services that warrant improved retirement benefits due to the nature of their work. However, there remain discussions around budgetary implications associated with expanding retirement benefits, which can lead to pushback from fiscal conservatives concerned about long-term cost impacts on the state's budget. The balance between adequate compensation for essential roles and financial prudence appears to be a central theme in the discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions over the financial sustainability of including judicial marshals in the 1998 Special Plan. Critics may express concerns that expanding this plan could set a precedent for additional groups seeking similar treatment, thus putting pressure on the state's retirement system. The debate encapsulates a broader issue about how public sector pensions are financed and the need for responsible management of these funds to ensure the long-term viability of state employee benefits.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1761

An Act to Include Certain Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD1760

An Act to Include Certain Crisis Outreach and Crisis Services Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD610

An Act to Expand the 1998 Special Retirement Plan to Include Employees Who Work for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner

ME LD1424

An Act to Establish a Special Retirement Plan for Department of Corrections Employees and Other Correctional Staff

ME LD483

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Retirement Benefit Reductions for Certain Employees Currently Included in the 1998 Special Plan

ME LD1822

An Act to Amend the Specialty License Plate Laws and Extend the Moratorium on Approval of Specialty License Plates and Remove the Authority of Municipalities to Issue Driver's Licenses

ME LD1082

An Act to Advance the Maine Retirement Savings Program

ME LD106

An Act to Allow Members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System With Service in Multiple Plans to Defer Retirement Service Benefits Until Normal Retirement Age to Avoid a Reduction in Benefits

ME LD1534

An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species

ME LD197

An Act to Address Employee Retention at the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory and the Computer Crimes Unit in the Department of Public Safety

Similar Bills

ME LD137

An Act to Expand the 1998 Special Retirement Plan to Include Employees Who Work for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner

ME LD610

An Act to Expand the 1998 Special Retirement Plan to Include Employees Who Work for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner

ME LD1761

An Act to Include Certain Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD579

An Act to Include Certain Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

ME LD1760

An Act to Include Certain Crisis Outreach and Crisis Services Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement

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