An Act Authorizing Statewide Mutual Aid among First Responder Agencies

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Maine First Responders State-wide Mutual Aid Agreement can provide emergency services to any part of the State whenever they are needed; and

Whereas,  emergencies affecting multiple communities can happen at any time; 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,

Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA §784-B  is enacted to read:

§ 784-B.  Maine First Responders State-wide Mutual Aid Agreement

All political subdivisions within the State are covered by the Maine First Responders State-wide Mutual Aid Agreement, dated November 2008, as drafted by the agency and referred to in this section as "the agreement," except that a political subdivision may withdraw from the agreement by enacting a local ordinance that withdraws from the agreement.

A local first responder agency may provide emergency management, fire, law enforcement, emergency medical, public works and other emergency services as necessary upon the request of any political subdivision within the State in accordance with the agreement. Additional preexisting contracts or agreements with the jurisdiction requesting the services are not required.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.