Sec. 1. 4 MRSA §183, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 269, §1 and affected by §2, is amended to read:

§183. Family Division of District Court

There is established within the District Court a Family Division that has jurisdiction over family matters filed in District Court. The Family Division shall provide a system of justice that is responsive to the needs of families and the support of their children. The Supreme Judicial Court may adopt administrative orders and court rules governing the practice, procedure and administration of the Family Division. These practices and procedures must include, but are not limited to, education for the parties, case management and referral services to mediation and other alternate dispute resolution techniques.

1. Family law magistrates. The Chief Judge of the District Court, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, shall employ family case management officers law magistrates. In selecting family case management officers law magistrates, the Chief Judge shall give proper consideration to achieving statewide geographical representation in the Family Division.

A. Family case management officers law magistrates must be members of the Bar of this State and must have experience in the area of family law. Other qualifications may include interest, training or experience in mediation and other alternate dispute resolution techniques, domestic violence, child development, family dynamics and case management.

B. Family case management officers law magistrates shall devote themselves solely to the official duties of the position. They may not engage in the private practice of law or in any employment, occupation or business interfering with or inconsistent with the discharge of their duties. The Chief Judge of the District Court shall determine the salary of the family case management officers law magistrates.

C. Family case management officers law magistrates are governed by the Maine Code of Judicial Conduct. Family case management officers law magistrates serve at the pleasure of the Chief Judge of the District Court.

D. Family case management officers law magistrates shall employ appropriate case management techniques and have jurisdiction to hear and dispose of the following matters: