Legislation proposes long term solution to help ensure local access to the judicial branch
STATE HOUSE – Representative Ken Fredette of Newport has filed a bill with the Maine Legislature to save Newport Courthouse. The move comes as the building housing the Newport District Court, at 12 Water Street in Newport, is temporarily closed to the public. The Judicial Branch has taken this temporary step after discovering that building conditions may be unsafe to the public. In the meantime, all in-person proceedings and the clerk’s office have been relocated to the Penobscot Judicial Center at 78 Exchange Street in Bangor.
“The temporary closure of the Maine Judicial Branch underscores its importance to our area and access to the judicial branch,” said Re. Fredette. “To solve this problem, I have introduced legislation that will provides a solution in the form of a long-term lease and a means of funding.”
Fredette, a Newport attorney, is the Sponsor of “An Act to Authorize the Lease of a Courthouse in Newport, Maine, Meeting Accessibility and Functional Needs.” The bill seeks to direct a long term lease for a Courthouse and funding up to $200,000.00 for renovations to meet ADA compliance and functionality needs for the court, attorneys, and local people using the Courthouse.
The Newport District Court serves as the legal hub for divorces, protection orders, misdemeanor criminal actions, and other civil actions. Closure of the Newport District Court would likely mean transferring matters to the Bangor Judicial Center, threatening access to justice in the Southern Penobscot Region.
Fredette represents District 33 which includes Newport, Corinna, Plymouth, Etna and Dixmont.
