Legislative Bill Seeks to Protect Personal Belongings of Homeless Population in Maine
PORTLAND, ME – In a recent legislative hearing, advocates rallied for a new bill aimed at safeguarding the personal belongings of homeless individuals across Maine. The bill, LD 1410, proposes that law enforcement and municipal agencies provide at least seven days’ notice before removing or destroying the property of unhoused individuals.
Katie Spencer White, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services, highlighted the importance of personal items for homeless individuals, sharing a poignant encounter where an elderly woman preferred to use given cash for her storage unit over immediate needs like food, emphasizing the deep emotional ties to her belongings.
Supporters argue that the bill would address a critical oversight in current practices, where many valuable possessions are lost during encampment sweeps. Spencer White noted the disparity in protections enjoyed by housed individuals, calling for equal treatment under the law for the homeless.
However, the bill faces opposition from entities like the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine State Police, who argue that the requirements for advance notice and hearings would create impractical administrative burdens and hinder public safety initiatives. They cited significant costs already incurred for cleanup efforts related to homeless encampments, including a reported $100,000 spent in 2024 alone.
The bill’s sponsor, Ambureen Rana, emphasized the need for basic due process, indicating that homeless individuals often lack the legal resources to defend their rights. She noted the heightened risk for these citizens of losing critical medications and survival equipment during encampment removals.
Former Portland city councilor Anna Trevorrow also voiced support, advocating for clear procedures that protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable citizens. As homelessness remains a pressing issue in Maine, LD 1410 is seen as a pivotal step toward a more humane approach to managing the needs of the unhoused.
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