Whereas, the Maine Criminal Justice Information System must be in compliance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994; and

Whereas, swift access to criminal justice information protects all citizens from criminal offenders; and

Whereas, swift access to criminal justice information requires a centralized data system; 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. 16 MRSA c. 3, sub-c. IX is amended by repealing the subchapter headnote and enacting the following in its place:

SUBCHAPTER IX

MAINE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE

INFORMATION SYSTEM

Sec. 2. 16 MRSA §631, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 346, §1, is amended to read:

§631. Maine Criminal and Civil Justice Information System

There is created, within the Department of Public Safety, an information clearinghouse to be known as the Maine Criminal and Civil Justice Information System. The Maine Criminal and Civil Justice Information System shall provide centralized computerized access to civil court records and criminal justice agencies and also shall provide authorized private users ready centralized computerized access to shared uniform information on criminal offenders and crime data, including:

1. Offender tracking information. Offender-based tracking information, including any active status of offenders in the criminal justice system;

2. Criminal history information. Criminal history record information that includes information on the potential risk of individuals;