Sec. 1. 15 MRSA §3304, sub-§8 is enacted to read:

8.__Authority of juvenile community corrections officer to issue and serve summons.__The Commissioner of Corrections, at the commissioner's discretion, may authorize a juvenile community corrections officer to issue and serve a summons, subject to conditions the commissioner may impose as to when and under what circumstances such authority may be exercised.

SUMMARY

This bill clarifies the authority of a juvenile community corrections officer to issue and serve a summons. The Commissioner of Corrections, at the commissioner's discretion, must authorize any issuance or service by a juvenile community corrections officer. The bill further allows the commissioner to impose conditions as to when and under what circumstances such authority may be exercised. The primary responsibility for issuing and serving summonses continues to rest with law enforcement officers.