Resolve, To Prevent Domestic Violence and Protect Our Citizelu
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 1990
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Sponsors: SULLIVAN, SMITH, BROMLEY, DAMON, CHASE, EBERLE, FAIRCLOTH, GERZOFSKY, HASKELL, SIMPSON

Legislative Document 
No. 1990 
S.P.784 
December 18, 2007 
Resolve, To Prevent Domestic Violence and Protect Our Citizelu 
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203. 
Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 18, 2007. Referred to the Committee 
on Criminal Justice and Public Safety pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed. 
Presented by Senator SULLIVAN of York. 
JOY J. O'BRIEN 
Secretary of the Senate 
Cosponsored by Representative SMITH of Monmouth and Senators: BROMLEY of 
Cumberland, DAMON of Hancock, Representatives: CHASE of Wells, EBERLE of South 
Portland, FAIRCLOTH of Bangor, GERZOFSKY of Brunswick, HASKELL of Portland, 
SIMPSON of Auburn. 
Printed on recycled PIfJOf 
Preamble. Whereas, the effects of deadly domestic violence and its impact on the 
State's public health system and social services system are far-reaching; and 
Whereas, it is imperative that the State explore adoption of a comprehensive 
strategy and network to address the many challenges of preventing domestic violence and 
protecting the State's citizens and communities; now, therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Review of supports and protections. Resolved: That the Domestic 
Abuse Homicide Review Panel, established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, 
section 4013, subsection 4 and referred to in this resolve as "the panel," shall undertake a 
comprehensive review of the measures currently in place to support and protect victims 
and potential victims of domestic violence. In undertaking this review, the panel shaH 
specifically consider: 
A. The ability of domestic violence advocacy offices in the counties of the State to 
provide sufficient support, referrals, resources and protection for domestic violence 
victims given current levels of funding; 
B. The establishment of a program to provide to victims, free of charge, the services 
of attorneys trained in domestic violence matters; 
C. The assignment of a trained domestic violence law enforcement officer in each 
county or town; 
D. 
The feasibility of providing increased funding for safe houses and crisis 
assistance for victims and their families; and 
E. The feasibility of providing increased funding for free and accessible counseling 
and support services for victims, including regular funding for support vouchers for 
child care, housing, education and other needs of victims; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Review domestic violence laws. Resolved: 
That the panel shall 
undertake a comprehensive review of the provisions of the criminal code related to 
domestic violence. In undertaking this review, the panel shaH specificaHy consider the 
need for: 
A. The establishment of a statewide registry of perpetrators of domestic violence; 
B. Increasing penalties and periods of incarceration for convicted perpetrators of 
domestic violence; and 
C. The imposition of measures on convicted perpetrators of domestic violence such 
as mandatory counseling, police visits, automatic restraining orders and the use of 
mandatory monitoring and tracking devices; and be it further 
Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the panel shall submit a report of its findings, 
35' 
including any necessary implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the 
Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal justice and public safety matters no later 
than December 10, 2008. After receipt and review of the report, the joint standing 
committee may submit legislation based on the report to the First Regular Session of the 
124th Legislature. 
Page I - 123LR2898(Ol)-1 
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SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel, established in the 
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, section 4013, subsection 4, to undertake a 
comprehensive review of the measures currently in place to support and protect victims 
and potential victims of domestic violence. In addition, the panel is directed to review 
the provisions of the cr~inal code related to domestic violence. The panel is authorize4 
to submit a report of its findings, including any necessary implementing legislation, to the 
joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal justice and 
public safety matters. 
'.