20-A M.R.S. §12311: Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine.

2. Fund. "Fund" means the Access to Justice Loan Program Revolving Fund established in section 12313.

3. Maine resident. "Maine resident" means a person who, at the time the person submits an application for participation in the program, has been a resident of this State, for purposes other than enrolling in an accredited law school, for a minimum of 2 years and who satisfies any other criteria adopted by the authority by rule.

In adopting other criteria by rule, the authority shall, at a minimum, consider the following:

A. The length of a person's residence in the State for purposes other than enrolling in an accredited law school;

B. The secondary school attended by a person;

C. The legal residence of the parents of a person;

D. A person's place of voting registration, if registered to vote; and

E. The jurisdictions to which a person pays income or other taxes.

4. Program. "Program" means the Access to Justice Loan Program established in section 12312.

5. Underserved area. "Underserved area" means an area in the State, as determined by the authority, in which there is an insufficient number of licensed and practicing attorneys to satisfy the significant and unmet need for legal services of the individuals residing in that area.