reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
37-B ME Rev Stat § 604 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §604. Conduct of board business

 §604. Conduct of board business 1.  Fiscal year.  The board shall adhere to the same fiscal year as the State.   [PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW).] 2.  Meetings.  The board shall meet at least 4 times annually. Six members constitute a quorum.   [PL 2021, c. 238, §2 (AMD).] 3.  Selection of officers.  At its first meeting each year, the board shall elect a chair, vice-chair, treasurer and secretary for that fiscal year.   [PL 2021, c. 238, §3 (AMD).] 4.  Special meetings.  Special meetings may be called by agreement of a majority of the trustees.   [PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW).] 5.  Appointment of chief executive officer.  The board shall appoint a chief executive officer in accordance with section 606.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §11 (AMD).] 6.  Other funds.  The board may apply for and receive any grants-in-aid for which the State or the homes may be eligible.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §12 (AMD).] 7.  Rules.  The board shall adopt rules necessary to administer the homes, to establish just charges for the maintenance of members and to oversee the operation of the homes. In adopting rules, the board shall seek comments and information from staff of the homes, members, members' families and other relevant sources, but the Maine Administrative Procedure Act provisions regarding rulemaking, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapters 2 and 2‑A, do not apply.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §12 (AMD).] 8.  Assistance.  Every department and agency of the State, when requested, may furnish such assistance, counsel or advice as the board may require in the discharge of its duties.   [PL 1987, c. 11, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 11, §2 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 676, §2 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 397, §§11, 12 (AMD). RR 2019, c. 1, Pt. B, §44 (COR). PL 2021, c. 238, §§2, 3 (AMD).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 605 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §605. Compensation of the board

 §605. Compensation of the board Trustees shall be compensated according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379.   [PL 1983, c. 812, §286 (RPR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 812, §286 (RPR).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 606 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §606. Chief executive officer

 §606. Chief executive officer The chief executive officer shall administer the homes in accordance with the rules, guidelines and general policies established by the board. The chief executive officer serves an indefinite term, but may be removed for cause by the board. The chief executive officer's salary is set by the board. The chief executive officer shall hire the necessary employees to operate the homes and, whenever possible, give preference in hiring to veterans. These employees are not deemed employees of the State.   [PL 2021, c. 238, §4 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 147, §1 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 397, §13 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 238, §4 (AMD).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 607 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §607. Admission

 §607. Admission Veterans desiring admission to the homes must apply on forms prescribed by the chief executive officer. The chief executive officer shall grant admission only to veterans who were residents of Maine at the time of their entry into the United States Armed Forces or who are residents of Maine at the time of application, and to the spouses, widows or widowers of eligible veterans, as long as suitable facilities are available. Parents of armed services members who are killed in action or die as a consequence of wounds received in battle are also eligible, as so-called "gold star" parents, for admission. Admission must be granted when provisions of the rules governing private payment, Medicare and Medicaid eligibility to entitled persons are met.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §14 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 594, §32 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 211, §1 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 395, §P2 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 397, §14 (AMD).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 608 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §608. Charges (REPEALED)

 §608. Charges (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2015, c. 397, §15 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 609 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §609. Custody of funds (REPEALED)

 §609. Custody of funds (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 395, §P3 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 610 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §610. Support and maintenance fund

 §610. Support and maintenance fund All funds received by the Maine Veterans' Homes, including federal Veterans' Administration stipend funds, must be held in a permanent fund to be used as required by the chief executive officer for the support and maintenance of the homes. A percentage of these funds approved by the board of trustees must be placed in reserve for capital improvement expenditures. The board of trustees shall operate the homes, when constructed, as self-liquidating projects until all the bonds issued as provided by this chapter are retired. The Department of Health and Human Services may not modify its principles of reimbursement for long-term care facilities to specifically exclude reimbursement for the depreciation of the assets created with federal or state grants.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §16 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 395, §P4 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 3, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV). PL 2015, c. 397, §16 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 238, §5 (AMD).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 610-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §610-A. Stipend funds

 §610-A. Stipend funds The Maine Veterans' Homes retain as direct income revenue any stipend funds they may receive from the federal Veterans' Administration for the homes' entire eligible resident population.   [PL 1997, c. 395, Pt. P, §5 (NEW).]The Department of Health and Human Services may neither receive the proceeds nor require the application of stipend funds in the Medicare or Medicaid rate justification submissions by the Maine Veterans' Homes.   [PL 1997, c. 395, Pt. P, §5 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 395, §P5 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 610-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §610-B. Use of stipend funds (REPEALED)

 §610-B. Use of stipend funds (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 395, §P6 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 288, §2 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV). PL 2015, c. 397, §17 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 611 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: MAINE VETERANS' HOMES|37-B §611. Reports

 §611. Reports The board shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over veterans affairs. This report must contain a copy of audited financial statements, statistics on members who resided in the homes during the year, recommendations to the Governor and Legislature and such other matters as the board deems pertinent.   [PL 2015, c. 397, §18 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2015, c. 397, §18 (AMD).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 901 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §901. Purpose--Article I (REPEALED)

 §901. Purpose--Article I (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 902 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §902. Standards; rules--Article II (REPEALED)

 §902. Standards; rules--Article II (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 903 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §903. Request for mutual aid--Article III (REPEALED)

 §903. Request for mutual aid--Article III (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 904 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §904. Special skills--Article IV (REPEALED)

 §904. Special skills--Article IV (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 905 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §905. Liability--Article V (REPEALED)

 §905. Liability--Article V (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 906 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §906. Supplementary agreements--Article VI (REPEALED)

 §906. Supplementary agreements--Article VI (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 907 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §907. Compensation and death benefits--Article VII (REPEALED)

 §907. Compensation and death benefits--Article VII (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 908 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §908. Reimbursement--Article VIII (REPEALED)

 §908. Reimbursement--Article VIII (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 909 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §909. Evacuation--Article IX (REPEALED)

 §909. Evacuation--Article IX (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 910 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §910. Availability of compact--Article X (REPEALED)

 §910. Availability of compact--Article X (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 911 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §911. Participation of federal agency--Article XI (REPEALED)

 §911. Participation of federal agency--Article XI (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 912 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §912. Entry into force--Article XII (REPEALED)

 §912. Entry into force--Article XII (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 913 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §913. Withdrawal--Article XIII (REPEALED)

 §913. Withdrawal--Article XIII (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 914 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §914. Construction and separability of provisions--Article XIV (REPEALED)

 §914. Construction and separability of provisions--Article XIV (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 915 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 15: INTERSTATE CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COMPACT|37-B §915. Approval of compact (REPEALED)

 §915. Approval of compact (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 252, §9 (RP).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 921 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §921. Purpose and authorities--Article I

 §921. Purpose and authorities--Article I The emergency management assistance compact, referred to in this chapter as the "compact," is made and entered into by and between the participating member states that enact this compact, referred to in this chapter as "party states." For the purposes of this agreement, the term "states" means the several states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territorial possessions.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]The purpose of this compact is to provide for mutual assistance between the states entering into this compact in managing any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the governor of the affected state or states, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, civil emergency aspects of resources shortages, community disorders, insurgency or enemy attack.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]This compact also provides for mutual cooperation in emergency related exercises, testing or other training activities using equipment and personnel simulating performance of any aspect of the giving and receiving of aid by party states or subdivisions of party states during emergencies, with such actions occurring outside actual declared emergency periods. Mutual assistance in this compact may include the use of the states' National Guard forces, either in accordance with the National Guard Mutual Assistance Compact or by mutual agreement between states.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 922 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §922. General implementation--Article II

 §922. General implementation--Article II Each party state entering into this compact recognizes that many emergencies transcend political jurisdictional boundaries and that intergovernmental coordination is essential in managing these and other emergencies under this compact. Each state further recognizes that there will be emergencies that require immediate access and present procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and effective response to such an emergency because few, if any, individual states have all the resources they need in all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering resources to areas where emergencies exist.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]The prompt, full and effective utilization of resources of the participating states, including any resources on hand or available from the Federal Government or any other source that are essential to the safety, care and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster declared by a party state, must be the underlying principle on which all articles of this compact are understood.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]On behalf of the governor of each state participating in the compact, the legally designated state official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management is responsible for formulation of the appropriate interstate mutual aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 924 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §924. Limitations--Article IV

 §924. Limitations--Article IV Any party state requested to render mutual aid or conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with the terms of this compact, except that it is understood that the state rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for that state. Each party state shall afford to the emergency forces of any party state, while operating within its state limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers, duties, rights and privileges as are afforded forces of the state in which they are performing emergency services, except the power of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving state. Emergency forces continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units come under the operational control of the emergency services authorities of the state receiving assistance. These conditions may be activated, as needed, only subsequent to a declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the governor of the party state that is to receive assistance or commencement of exercises or training for mutual aid and continue as long as the exercises or training for mutual aid are in progress, the state of emergency or disaster remains in effect or loaned resources remain in the receiving state or states, whichever is longer.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 925 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §925. Licenses and permits--Article V

 §925. Licenses and permits--Article V Whenever a person holds a license, certificate or other permit issued by any state party to the compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving party state, such person is deemed licensed, certified or permitted by the state requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet a declared emergency or disaster, subject to such limitations and conditions as the governor of the requesting state prescribes by executive order or otherwise.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 926 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §926. Liability--Article VI

 §926. Liability--Article VI Officers or employees of a party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact are considered agents of the requesting state for tort liability and immunity purposes. A party state or its officers or employees rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact are not liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Good faith in this article does not include willful misconduct, gross negligence or recklessness.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 927 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §927. Supplementary agreements--Article VII

 §927. Supplementary agreements--Article VII Because it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among 2 or more states may differ from that among the states that are party to this compact, this compact contains elements of a broad base common to all states, and nothing in this compact precludes any state from entering into supplementary agreements with another state or affects any other agreements already in force between states. Supplementary agreements may include, but are not limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, equipment and supplies.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 928 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §928. Compensation--Article VIII

 §928. Compensation--Article VIII Each party state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of that state and to representatives of deceased members of those forces if the members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within their own state.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).
37-B ME Rev Stat § 929 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT|Chapter 16: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT|37-B §929. Reimbursement--Article IX

 §929. Reimbursement--Article IX Any party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact must be reimbursed by the party state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment and the provision of any service in answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in connection with those requests. An aiding party state may assume in whole or in part any such loss, damage, expense or other cost or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party state without charge or cost. Any 2 or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those states. Expenses under section 928 are not reimbursable under this section.   [PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 780, §2 (NEW).