An Act To Require Notice to and Input from Municipalities in Which Certain Group Homes Are Located

Sec. 1. 34-B MRSA §3612  is enacted to read:

§ 3612.  Municipal notification

With regard to residential services for persons committed to the custody of the commissioner pursuant to Title 15, chapter 5, 120 days prior to the opening of a residential facility by the department or to signing a contract with a community agency to provide a community-based residential facility, the department shall provide the specific location and detailed information to the municipality in which the facility is to be located. The department shall review any response or site alternatives provided by municipal officials prior to the opening of the facility or signing of the contract.

summary

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide specific information on the location of a residential facility providing services to forensic patients to the municipality in which the facility is to be located. Notice must be provided 120 days prior to the opening of the facility or to signing a contract with a community agency to provide residential services. The department must review any response and site alternatives provided by municipal officials.