Committee Reviews Language for Spousal Support Guidance and Synthetic-Media Campaign Rules

Aug. 6, 2026 — As part of language-review proceedings the committee received staff briefing on two bills. Janet, committee staff, presented a preliminary language review for LD 2142, which would establish guidance for awarding general spousal support. Key drafting notes included: starting income calculations with the child-support gross-income definition; clarifying length of marriage is measured to the filing date; adding a rebuttable presumption for marriages of 20 years or longer; and adjusting a presumption threshold for income difference from 75% to 65%.

Janet also conducted a final language review of the majority amendment to LD 517, retitled 'An Act Regarding Synthetic Media and Campaign Advertising.' The amendment would require disclosures on manipulated images, audio or video used in electioneering communications that might deceive a reasonable person about what a candidate is saying or doing. The reviser's office suggested venue language (superior court of Kennebec County) and consistency edits. Committee members agreed to send a memo to the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee (VLA) asking that committee to review the campaign-finance overlay and offer drafting recommendations.

What's next: Staff will provisionally send the memo to VLA and return any suggested edits to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.