Legislation Advocacy

MERJ's legislative committee will return in 2026 where it will be guided and informed by Symposiums organized in partnership with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Population.

Additionally, we stay informed and connected to pending and upcoming legislation through various bill trackers, including MPAC's and Wabanaki Alliance's.

The purpose of the committee is to reviews bills in the Maine legislature to identify those that promote criminal legal system reform, provide alternatives to punitive justice practices, and advance the use of restorative practices in our state. The committee actively supports or opposes bills based on these principles by submitting testimony, attending hearings, and contacting elected officials, while also sending out action alerts to encourage public engagement in our advocacy work.

The Reentry Sister's website has a 'Maine Legislation Basics' page that explains how to participate/engage around legislation.