Nangle bill to codify 988 crisis lifeline in Maine becomes law

AUGUSTA – Last week Maine Gov. Janet T. Mills signed into law a bill from State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, to formally recognize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maine statute.

State Senator Tim Nangle

Nangle's 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.

“When someone is in crisis, they need to know that help is there and easy to reach,” Nangle said. “Codifying 988 in Maine law helps ensure that this lifeline remains a stable, reliable part of our response system. It’s a practical step that strengthens support for people across our state when they need it most.”

LD 1216 will formally define the 988 Suicide & 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.

As non-emergency legislation, LD 1216 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Earlier this spring, two other bills proposed by State Senator Tim Nangle (D-Windham) were advanced by committees for full votes in the Maine Legislature.

The legislature’s Transportation Committee voted unanimously to advance Nangle’s LD 2179, “An Act to Amend Certain Motor Vehicle Laws,” which would strengthen consumer protections for Mainers purchasing vehicles online. 

“Buying a vehicle is one of the largest purchases many families make,” Nangle said. “As more sales move online, Maine needs clear rules to make sure these companies are licensed, accountable and transparent with consumers. This bill helps ensure that when Mainers buy a car online, they still have the same protections they would expect at a local dealership.”

His LD 2179 includes provisions directing the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to establish a pilot program to license and regulate used-car dealers, such as Carvana, who sell vehicles exclusively online to Maine consumers. The proposal creates a clear consumer protections framework for online-only dealerships, requiring them to obtain a state license, meet background and sales history requirements, maintain a $350,000 surety bond and comply with Maine and federal consumer disclosure laws.

Vehicles sold through these platforms would also be required to pass a Maine inspection before being delivered to the buyer, helping ensure that online vehicle purchases meet the same safety and transparency standards Mainers expect when buying from a traditional dealership.

These provisions cover dealers who sell many cars, comparable to a brick-and-mortar retail dealership, not Mainers who commonly use online platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace, to advertise and sell their used vehicles.

Nangle’s LD 2179 now awaits votes in the full Senate and House. 

The Maine Senate also voted unanimously, and on a bipartisan basis, to advance Nangle’s LD 2135, “An Act to Provide Funding to Keep Maine Veterans Housed.” The bill aims to prevent homelessness among Maine veterans by providing meaningful support to overcome common housing barriers.

“When someone has served our country, the least we can do is make sure they have a stable place to call home,” Nangle said. “This bill focuses on the real-world barriers veterans face and gives housing providers the flexibility to address them. I’m glad to see my colleagues in the Senate come together to support that effort.”

As amended by the Veterans and Legal Affairs committee, LD 2135 would establish the Veterans Housing Provider Incentive Fund within the Bureau of Veterans’ Services. This new fund would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that help veterans secure and maintain permanent housing.

State Senator Tim 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. <