S.P. 419 - L.D. 1208
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, calls to the 9-1-1 system from automatic dialing devices in cases where there is no emergency pose an immediate danger to public safety; 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Sec. 1. 25 MRSA §2931, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 291, §3, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
§2931. Misuse of E-9-1-1 system
1. Prohibited use. A person is guilty of misuse of the E-9-1-1 system if without reasonable cause the person, after having been forbidden to do so by a public safety answering point manager or administrator or a law enforcement officer:
A. Makes repeated telephone calls to a public safety answering point by dialing 9-1-1 to make nonemergency reports or inquiries; or
B. Causes telephone calls to be made to a public safety answering point using an alarm or other alerting device that automatically dials 9-1-1 and transmits a prerecorded signal or message.
2. Penalty. Violation of subsection 1, paragraph A is a Class E crime. Violation of subsection 1, paragraph B is:
A. For the first offense, a civil offense for which a civil forfeiture of up to $500 may be adjudged; or
B. For a 2nd or subsequent offense, a Class E crime.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, that section of this Act that enacts the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, section 7501, subsection 9 takes effect when approved.
Effective April 16, 1999, unless otherwise indicated.
Revisor of Statutes Homepage | Subject Index | Search | Laws of Maine | Maine Legislature |