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| State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, has introduced bills this year to ensure survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services after a prolonged and unexplained delay in federal funding and to formally recognize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maine statute. FILE PHOTO |
“When someone escapes trafficking, that moment of asking for help can be life-changing,” said Nangle. “Right now, because of another inexplicable failure at the federal level, we are effectively telling survivors they have to wait for safety. That is unacceptable. This bill makes sure people who have already endured unimaginable trauma can still get the support they need to be safe and start rebuilding their lives.”
LD 2136 would provide a one-year bridge to replace delayed federal funding that has supported Preble Street’s Anti-Trafficking Services program since 2013. The program has historically been funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime – funding that Congress approved and communities across the country rely on.
Preble Street’s most recent three-year federal grant expired on Sept. 30, 2025. Normally, the next grant opportunity would have opened in April, with new funds beginning Oct. 1. Instead, the U.S. Department of Justice delayed the grant competition for more than nine months and provided no public explanation. As a direct result of that gap, Maine’s largest provider of anti-trafficking services has been forced to begin wait-listing survivors.
That funding has helped Preble Street support 157 survivors across seven Maine counties in recent years. Services include assistance with housing, food, clothing, medical and mental health care, legal services and relocation when necessary.
Without this short-term state investment, survivors seeking help right now could face serious and lasting harm simply because of a federal administrative failure.
LD 2136 now faces further action in legislative committee.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill from Senator Nangle to formally recognize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maine statute.
LD 1216, “An Act to Improve Behavioral Health Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention Services,” would establish 988 in state law as part of Maine’s crisis intervention framework.
“988 is already saving lives, but until now, it hasn’t had a permanent place in Maine law,” Nangle said. “By codifying 988 as the go-to lifeline in statute, we’re making a clear commitment that Mainers in crisis will continue to have access to this lifesaving service, even if federal support waivers. This bill lays the groundwork for a stronger, more coordinated crisis response system in the years ahead.”
As amended, LD 1216 formally defines the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the section of law that governs the Department of Health and Human Services’ crisis intervention services. By placing 988 in statute, LD 1216 helps protect the long-term stability of the lifeline and creates a foundation for future legislation to strengthen coordination, awareness and the effectiveness of Maine’s crisis response system.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a simple, three-digit, nationwide number that connects individuals to compassionate, skilled support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health-related distress or substance use-related concerns. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, people who call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org are connected to a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers that provide judgment-free support, crisis de-escalation, and connections to additional resources.
LD 1216 now awaits votes in the full Senate and House.
Senator Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee. <
That funding has helped Preble Street support 157 survivors across seven Maine counties in recent years. Services include assistance with housing, food, clothing, medical and mental health care, legal services and relocation when necessary.
Without this short-term state investment, survivors seeking help right now could face serious and lasting harm simply because of a federal administrative failure.
LD 2136 now faces further action in legislative committee.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill from Senator Nangle to formally recognize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maine statute.
LD 1216, “An Act to Improve Behavioral Health Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention Services,” would establish 988 in state law as part of Maine’s crisis intervention framework.
“988 is already saving lives, but until now, it hasn’t had a permanent place in Maine law,” Nangle said. “By codifying 988 as the go-to lifeline in statute, we’re making a clear commitment that Mainers in crisis will continue to have access to this lifesaving service, even if federal support waivers. This bill lays the groundwork for a stronger, more coordinated crisis response system in the years ahead.”
As amended, LD 1216 formally defines the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the section of law that governs the Department of Health and Human Services’ crisis intervention services. By placing 988 in statute, LD 1216 helps protect the long-term stability of the lifeline and creates a foundation for future legislation to strengthen coordination, awareness and the effectiveness of Maine’s crisis response system.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a simple, three-digit, nationwide number that connects individuals to compassionate, skilled support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health-related distress or substance use-related concerns. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, people who call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org are connected to a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers that provide judgment-free support, crisis de-escalation, and connections to additional resources.
LD 1216 now awaits votes in the full Senate and House.
Senator Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee. <
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