Committee rejects proposal to reinstate parole, supporters consider putting question to voters
A proposal to reinstate parole in Maine failed to gain committee support, not because of opposition to the policy but over implementation concerns.
The 3-8 vote on Wednesday sets the bill on a path to likely demise, though that had been anticipated given the Mills administration’s historic opposition to bringing back the conditional early release program that Maine was the first state to abolish 50 years ago.
This isn’t the first time restoration of parole has been attempted, nor will it be the last. However, supporters are now exploring ways to do so outside legislation.
“I would consider trying to send it to the ballot next year,” bill sponsor Rep. Nina Milliken (D-Blue Hill) told Maine Morning Star after the vote.
https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/02/11/committee-rejects-proposal-to-reinstate-parole-supporters-consider-putting-question-to-voters/
