A law‑school dean, program alumni and current students told the board that state‑approved, primarily online law programs offer rigorous training that expands legal services in underserved areas and urged the board not to reverse the amendment.

The Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary voted 9–0 to recommend the confirmation of Hal (Harold) Stewart II of Bangor for appointment as an active‑retired justice of the Maine Superior Court after testimony praising his trial record and warnings about fewer lawyers and falling jury turnout.