Governor signs Rep. Fay’s bill to protect victims of economic abuse

AUGUSTA – Rep. Jessica Fay’s bill to protect victims of economic abuse by protecting them from debt collection and allowing them to repair their credit was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills Wednesday.

“When I met a constituent on her doorstep in 2016 and she educated me about the issue of economic abuse, I promised I would work on the issue and raise awareness about its impacts on survivors and families,” said Fay, D-Raymond. “This bill is the result of that work. We have more to do but this bill will make a significant impact on the lives of survivors.”

The bill, LD 748, An Act To Provide Relief to Survivors of Economic Abuse, was unanimously enacted in both the House and the Senate.  It will go into effect 90 days after end of the legislative session.

“This bill is a game changer for survivors of domestic violence who have had their credit ruined by an abusive partner,” Fay said. “It is the result of three plus years of work by advocates and survivors who were persistent in their advocacy.”

Fay is serving her second term in the Maine Legislature and represents parts of Casco, Poland and Raymond. She serves on the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.