Whereas, the courts of the State have experienced a steady increase in the number of matters involving families and children; and

Whereas, the very system designed to help them has stalled; and

Whereas, delays have a detrimental effect on those whose cases cannot be reached; and

Whereas, it is vitally necessary that resources be made available to prevent any injustice or hardship to the citizens of Maine; 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.

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Courts - Supreme, Superior and District

Initiative: Provides funds to the Judicial Department for 2 Family Case Management Officer positions, 2 Assistant Clerk positions and 2 Security Officer positions to reduce the backlog of cases in counties with larger populations.

GENERAL FUND 2005-06 2006-07

POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT 6.000 6.000

Personal Services $129,368 $139,307

All Other $25,296 $8,636

__________ __________

GENERAL FUND TOTAL $154,664 $147,943

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2005-06 2006-07

Personal Services $251,126 $270,419

All Other $49,104 $16,764

__________ __________

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL $300,230 $287,183