Whereas, this resolve directs the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Safety to review unfunded mandates; and

Whereas, the review must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the review may be completed and a report prepared in time for submission to the next legislative session; 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

Sec. 1. Conduct study. Resolved: That the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Safety, referred to in this resolve as "the working group," shall work together to study ways to increase safety for domestic abuse victims. In conducting its study, the working group shall:

1. Study and recommend ways to make search and seizure procedures more consistent among state, county and local law enforcement agencies;

2. Study the laws governing gun possession by domestic abusers;

3. Develop procedures for counseling abusers; and

4. Review the protection from abuse order process and recommend ways to amend it; and be it further

Sec. 2. Participation of other entities. Resolved: That the working group may seek information from all related state agencies; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 7, 2005, the working group shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature. In its proposed legislation, the working group may include proposals to amend laws to strengthen gun control, to speed up the process of protection orders and to make the application process easier for individuals filing a protection