An Act To Allow a Minor in the Police Explorer Program To Assist with Traffic Control at Civic Events
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §772, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 59, §1, is amended to read:
5. Application. This section does not apply to minors in public and approved private schools where mechanical equipment is installed and operated primarily for purposes of instruction or minors who are volunteer participants in a career-oriented law enforcement program and perform traffic control duties at civic events pursuant to section 786.
Sec. 2. 26 MRSA §786 is enacted to read:
§ 786. Traffic control duties
1. Traffic control duties permitted. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a minor who is 14 years of age or older and is a volunteer participant in a career-oriented law enforcement program may perform traffic control duties in accordance with this section.
2. Training. A minor may not perform traffic control duties under this section until the minor has received traffic control training in accordance with the requirements of the supervising law enforcement agency. Proof of the minor's successful completion of the training must be maintained by the law enforcement agency.
3. Supervision. A minor may perform traffic control duties only under direct supervision of a law enforcement officer as part of a career-oriented law enforcement program. This supervision must:
A. Be from a close distance so that the officer does not become distracted or perform other duties; and
B. Include means of radio contact in the event that the minor needs to contact another officer for assistance.
4. Limitations on events. A minor may perform traffic control duties only at civic events, fair parking lots, parades, walks, foot races, car shows and charity events.
5. Limitations on locations. A minor may not:
A. Direct traffic or pedestrians on busy roadways or thoroughfares;
B. Assist in traffic control at places of heightened danger such as traffic stops or roadblocks;
C. Direct traffic in conjunction with crowd control or riot control;
D. Collect donations at a traffic light;
E. Direct traffic at funeral processions; or
F. Direct traffic at the scene of an emergency.
6. Night activities prohibited. A minor may perform the activities authorized under this section only during the period from sunrise to sunset.
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 126th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.