An Act To Fund the Maine Diversion Alert Program

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

Whereas,  the Maine Diversion Alert Program requires additional funding in fiscal year 2014-15 and beyond to maintain the program statewide; and

Whereas,  this legislation provides funds for the Maine Diversion Alert Program during fiscal year 2014-15; and

Whereas,  in order for the funds to be available in fiscal year 2014-15 this legislation needs to take effect before adjournment; 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. Maine Diversion Alert Program report. The Department of Health and Human Services shall determine the amount of funding required to maintain the Maine Diversion Alert Program statewide and shall seek ongoing funding sources for the program. The department shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services no later than January 1, 2016.

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF THE

Administration - Attorney General 0310

Initiative: Provides one-time funds for the Maine Diversion Alert Program.

GENERAL FUND	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17
All Other	$95,000	$95,000	$95,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$95,000	$95,000	$95,000

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

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to determine the amount of funding required to maintain the Maine Diversion Alert Program statewide, to seek ongoing funding sources for the program and to report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services no later than January 1, 2016. It also provides one-time General Fund appropriations of $95,000 in fiscal year 2014-15, fiscal year 2015-16 and fiscal year 2016-17 for the Department of the Attorney General to maintain funding for the program.