An Act To Fund and Enhance the Maine Diversion Alert Program
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 0249
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Sponsors: SHERMAN, CARPENTER, McELWEE, TUELL

Legislative Document
No. 249
H.P. 182
House of Representatives, January 31, 2017
An Act To Fund and Enhance the Maine Diversion Alert Program
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative SHERMAN of Hodgdon.
Cosponsored by Senator CARPENTER of Aroostook and
Representatives: McELWEE of Caribou, TUELL of East Machias.
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, Maine is experiencing a dramatic increase in opioid overdose deaths; and 
Whereas, research has demonstrated that, although they are not the only source, 
physicians are the leading source of prescription painkillers for persons at high risk for 
painkiller overdose; and 
Whereas, research suggests that the Maine Diversion Alert Program helps 
prescribers make informed decisions and improves prescribing practices; and 
Whereas, the Maine Opiate Collaborative's Law Enforcement Task Force 
recommends improving intelligence gathering and sharing among law enforcement 
agencies to include local, county, state and federal entities; and 
Whereas, the Maine Diversion Alert Program is the only statewide drug charge 
database that includes the majority of local, county, state and federal drug-related arrests 
made in Maine; and 
Whereas, the Maine Diversion Alert Program can be enhanced to create a resource 
for law enforcement that improves intelligence gathering and sharing among local, 
county, state and federal agencies; and 
Whereas, the Maine Diversion Alert Program requires additional funding in fiscal 
year 2017-18 and fiscal year 2018-19 and beyond to maintain the program statewide; and 
Whereas, this legislation provides funds for the Maine Diversion Alert Program 
during fiscal year 2017-18 and fiscal year 2018-19; and 
Whereas, in order for the funds to be available in fiscal year 2017-18, this 
legislation needs to take effect before the start of that fiscal year; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made. 
PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF  
Administration - Public Safety 0088 
Initiative: Provides funds to continue and enhance the functionality of the Maine 
Diversion Alert Program. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill provides funds to continue and enhance the functionality of the Maine 
Diversion Alert Program. 
GENERAL FUND 
2017-18
2018-19
All Other 
$95,000
$95,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL 
$95,000
$95,000