Maine rejects parole restoration bill, keeping 1976 ban despite advocacy and plans for a potential voter referendum.

Maine lawmakers have rejected a bill to restore parole, 50 years after the state abolished it in 1976. The proposal, backed by advocates including Rep. Nina Milliken and former inmates, failed to gain traction in the Judiciary Committee. Gov. Janet Mills and the Department of Corrections opposed the measure, citing Supervised Community Confinement (SCCP) as a sufficient alternative, which has allowed over 600 people to serve the final 30 months of their sentences in the community since 2020. Critics argue SCCP lacks the independence and benefits of a parole system, such as sentence reductions and post-release support. Advocates say many Mainers believe parole still exists and are considering a future ballot initiative to put the issue to voters.