Maine
Lawmakers to sue over case files on child deaths in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A legislative committee goes to sue the Maine Division of Well being and Human Providers for entry to full investigative recordsdata on baby murders.
The Authorities Oversight Committee took motion Tuesday with an 8-1 vote after the company didn’t adjust to a subpoena requesting the recordsdata.
The DHHS shared the recordsdata with the Legislature’s watchdog, the Workplace of Program Analysis and Authorities Accountability. But it surely didn’t share them with committee members.
Committee members stated the refusal of the DHHS to adjust to the subpoena violated the separation of powers.
“We can not enable our position and authority because the legislative Department — the representatives of the individuals — to be outlined by the manager department,” stated Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford.
A spokesperson for DHHS stated the company is following the lawyer common’s authorized recommendation. The lawyer common is elected by the Maine Legislature, not appointed by the governor.
The loss of life of 3-year-old Maddox Williams in Stockton Springs and three different youngsters in the summertime of 2021 drew statewide consideration — and reform efforts by state lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.
In all, 29 youngsters died final 12 months and a minimum of 27 had some type of baby protecting historical past earlier than or throughout their lives, in keeping with state knowledge, which isn’t a complete checklist of all baby deaths.