Resolve, To Study the Impact of Social Services and Corrections Policies on Homeless People in Maine

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this resolve directs the Statewide Homeless Council to coordinate a study of the connection between the increasing numbers of homeless persons in the State, and the existing policies and procedures employed by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Corrections that may affect homeless persons and to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services in time for legislative action during the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature; 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. Study. Resolved: That the Statewide Homeless Council established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, chapter 202, subchapter 5-A shall coordinate a study of the connections between social services, corrections and homelessness and shall submit the results of the study and any recommended legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services by January 15, 2008. The study must include a review of best practices for homeless shelters and current practices used by social services and corrections agencies and facilities, including discharge practices, the rights and responsibilities of persons with mental illness and co-occurring disorders and best practices for housing and supportive services. The Statewide Homeless Council shall invite the participation of representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services including the Office of Substance Abuse, the Department of Corrections, the Maine State Housing Authority, representatives of hospitals in the State, statewide organizations representing homeless persons, representatives of community mental health provider agencies, homeless service providers and persons with mental illness, persons with substance abuse issues and other interested parties. The joint standing committee is authorized to submit legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature pertaining to the study.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.