Whereas, criminal activity by addicted offenders in Maine is excessive; and

Whereas, parental alcohol and drug abuse in Maine is causing a significant increase in the number of abused and neglected children; and

Whereas, substance abuse treatment courts are urgently needed to reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse and the incidence of crimes committed as a result of alcohol and drug abuse; and

Whereas, federal funding for the only existing substance abuse treatment court in Maine, the Cumberland County Superior Court's "Project Exodus," will expire on June 30, 1999; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 15 MRSA c. 16 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 16

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT COURTS

§421.__Definitions

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

1.__Designated treatment provider.__"Designated treatment provider" means a treatment provider appointed by the substance abuse treatment court.

2.__Program.__"Program" means the substance abuse treatment court program administered by the substance abuse treatment court consisting of substance abuse treatment and the elements listed in section 422, subsection 3.