An Act To Fund and Enhance 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,  Maine is experiencing a dramatic increase in opioid overdose deaths; and

Whereas,  research has demonstrated that, although they are not the only source, physicians are the leading source of prescription painkillers for persons at high risk for painkiller overdose; and

Whereas,  research suggests that the Maine Diversion Alert Program helps prescribers make informed decisions and improves prescribing practices; and

Whereas,  the Maine Opiate Collaborative's Law Enforcement Task Force recommends improving intelligence gathering and sharing among law enforcement agencies to include local, county, state and federal entities; and

Whereas,  the Maine Diversion Alert Program is the only statewide drug charge database that includes the majority of local, county, state and federal drug-related arrests made in Maine; and

Whereas,  the Maine Diversion Alert Program can be enhanced to create a resource for law enforcement that improves intelligence gathering and sharing among local, county, state and federal agencies; and

Whereas,  the Maine Diversion Alert Program requires additional funding in fiscal year 2017-18 and fiscal year 2018-19 and beyond to maintain the program statewide; and

Whereas,  this legislation provides funds for the Maine Diversion Alert Program during fiscal year 2017-18 and fiscal year 2018-19; and

Whereas,  in order for the funds to be available in fiscal year 2017-18, this legislation needs to take effect before the start of that fiscal year; 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. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF

Administration - Public Safety 0088

Initiative: Provides funds to continue and enhance the functionality of the Maine Diversion Alert Program.

GENERAL FUND	2017-18	2018-19
All Other	$95,000	$95,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$95,000	$95,000

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

SUMMARY

This bill provides funds to continue and enhance the functionality of the Maine Diversion Alert Program.