Resolve, To Prevent Domestic Violence and Protect Our Citizens
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 1990
Committee Amendment CA_A_S525 (Senate)

COMMIT-TEE AMENDMENT "A " to S.P. 784, L.D. 1990, "Resolve, To Prevent 
Domestic Violence and Protect Our Citizens" 
Amend the resolve by striking out everything after the title and before the summary 
and inserting the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
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 surrounding domestic violence and 
protecting the State's citizens and communities; and 
Whereas, as a part of this comprehensive policy, it is imperative that the State reach 
out to all persons affected by domestic violence, whether a victim, a family member or 
friend, community members, community organizations, victim services groups or law 
enforcement in order to gather the necessary information to ascertain what programs are 
working and what additional programs are needed to reach our underserved populations; 
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. Review of supports and protections. Resolved: That the Department 
of Public Safety 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 department shall consider: 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
.... 
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I 
II 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "4" to S.P. 784, L.D. 1990 
I. 
The ability of domestic violence advocacy offices in this State to provide 
sufficient support, referrals, resources and protection for domestic violence victims given 
current levels of funding; 
2. The establishment of a program to gather input and comments from victims and 
their families, community members, law enforcement and organizations that provide 
services to domestic violence victims in order to determine which programs are working 
effectively, how to better reach underserved populations and concerned community 
members and what programs are missing or insufficiently funded; 
3. 
The feasibility of providing increased funding from outside sources for safe 
houses and crisis assistance for victims and their families; 
4. The feasibility of providing increased funding from outside sources for free and 
more accessible counseling and support services for victims; and 
5. The feasibility of providing increased interventions to the victims, their families 
and communities concerning domestic violence and how to find and access services; and 
be it further 
Sec. 2. Review domestic violence laws. Resolved: That the Department of 
Public Safety shall endeavor to review the effectiveness of the provisions of the Maine 
Criminal Code related to domestic violence; and be it further 
Sec. 3. Funding. Resolved: That the Department of Public Safety shall endeavor 
to secure outside funding and resources, including but not limited to the use of grants and 
interns, to undertake the review under sections I and 2 and shall limit its work to that 
which can be accomplished from sources other than appropriations from the General 
Fund or Highway Fund; and be it further 
Sec. 4. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Public Safety shall 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 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 I 24th Legislature. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved, except as otherwise indicated.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the resolve with an emergency resolve and directs the 
Department of Public Safety to undertake a review of the measures currently in place to 
support and protect victims and potential victims of domestic violence and to determine 
how to increase and develop strategies for the protection of victims of domestic violence 
and for improvement of the criminal justice system response and how to find and access 
services. The Department of Public Safety is also directed to review the effectiveness of 
provisions ofthe Maine Criminal Code related to domestic violence. 
The Department of Public Safety shall submit a report of its findings, including any 
necessary implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .. A" to S.P. 784, L.D. 1990 
having jurisdiction over criminal justice and public safety matters, which may submit 
legislation upon receiving the report. The resolve also directs the Department of Public 
Safety to endeavor to secure outside funding to undertake this review and to limit its 
work to that which can be accomplished from sources other than appropriations from the 
General Fund or Highway Fund. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 03/25/08 .wac:.. 
LD 1990 
LR 2898(02) 
Resolve, To Prevent Domestic Violence and Protect Our Citizens 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" 
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Current biennium cost increase - Federal Expenditures Funds 
The Department of Public Safety estimates that it will cost approximately $17,000 to conduct this comprehensive 
review and currently has this amount in federal expenditures funds from an existing Stop Violence Against Women 
Formula grant which will be used to cover these costs. The majority of the work will be conducted by a summer 
intern. It IS anticipated that the $17,000 will cover the work outlined in the legislation. 
LR2898(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1