An Act To Promote Professional Training and Security in Maine Courts

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 legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to provide support for critical court functions such as entry screening and security as soon as possible; 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,

Sec. 1. 4 MRSA §17-D  is enacted to read:

§ 17-D.  Fees for training, security and other expenses

The State Court Administrator may establish fees on lawyers, guardians ad litem, interpreters, mediators and other professionals who routinely participate in court proceedings to cover the costs of training, orientation, continuing education, background investigations, entry screening and security provided to these professionals. The State Court Administrator also may establish fees on 3rd parties to cover the costs of the use of court facilities for purposes not related to court functions by those 3rd parties. All fees collected under this section must be deposited in a nonlapsing Other Special Revenue Funds account to be used for these purposes only. This account may receive money from grants, gifts, bequests and donations.

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

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the State Court Administrator to establish fees on lawyers, guardians ad litem, interpreters, mediators and other professionals who routinely participate in court proceedings to cover the costs of training, orientation, continuing education, background investigations, entry screening and security provided to these professionals. The State Court Administrator also may establish fees on 3rd parties to cover the costs of the use of court facilities for purposes not related to court functions by those 3rd parties. All fees collected must be deposited in a nonlapsing Other Special Revenue Funds account to be used for these purposes only. This account may receive money from grants, gifts, bequests and donations.