Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §253, sub-§8 is enacted to read:

8.__Violence prevention and intervention.__The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to school administrative units that request assistance in the provision of violence prevention and intervention training programs for teachers, school staff and students.__The assistance must emphasize conflict resolution education, peer mediation and early identification and response to signs of violence.

Sec. 2. Department of Education grant program providing technical assistance to schools for conflict resolution training and peer mediation programs. The Department of Education shall establish a grant program to initiate and continue support for conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in schools. The Department of Education shall establish procedures for applying for grants, criteria for awarding grants and a process for evaluating and replicating successful programs.

Sec. 3. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

1999-00 2000-01

ATTORNEY GENERAL,

DEPARTMENT OF THE

Civil Rights Team Project

All Other $50,000 $50,000

Provides funds to increase in- school training of student peer role models and in-service training for school personnel in dealing with acts of harassment, intolerance and violence in schools.

DEPARTMENT OF THE

ATTORNEY GENERAL ______ ______

TOTAL $50,000 $50,000

EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF

Learning Systems Team