An Act To Establish the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program in Maine

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §200-K  is enacted to read:

§ 200-K.  Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program

The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established to address drug crimes by diverting low-level offenders into community-based treatment and support services. The program must include, but is not limited to, the provision of case management services to program participants in order to secure appropriate treatment and support services such as housing, health care, job training and mental health services for program participants. The Attorney General, in consultation with the district attorneys, shall adopt routine technical rules, as described in chapter 375, subchapter 2-A, to implement this section.

Sec. 2. Pilot projects. The Attorney General, in consultation with the district attorneys, shall implement the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 200-K by establishing 8 pilot projects in communities around the State.

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF THE

Administration - Attorney General 0310

Initiative: Provides funds for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 200-K.

GENERAL FUND	2015-16	2016-17
All Other	$0	$2,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$2,000,000

summary

This bill establishes the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program to address drug crimes by diverting low-level offenders into community-based treatment and support services. The program includes, but is not limited to, the provision of case management services to program participants in order to secure appropriate treatment and support services such as housing, health care, job training and mental health services for program participants. The Attorney General, in consultation with the district attorneys, is directed to implement the program by establishing 8 pilot projects in communities around the State.