The board shall advise and assist the State in promoting and supporting the statewide creation, growth and sustainability of sexual assault forensic examiner programs.__The board shall provide advice and assistance regarding training, technical assistance, standards and resources to the sexual assault forensic examiner programs.

§3360-P.__Administration

The Department of the Attorney General shall provide general administrative oversight for the board's policies and responsibilities.__When appropriate, the Department of the Attorney General may employ personnel necessary to carry out the purposes of the board; lease, rent or acquire adequate equipment and facilities; accept federal funds or grants that are available to carry out or implement the board's objectives; and provide technical assistance and training to sexual assault forensic examiners.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §12004-J, sub-§13 is enacted to read:

13. Sexual Expenses 5 MRSA

Criminal Assault Only §3360-N

Justice Forensic

Examiner

Advisory

Board

Sec. 3. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

ATTORNEY GENERAL,

DEPARTMENT OF

Administration - Attorney General

Positions - Legislative Count (1.000) (1.000)

Personal Services $19,066 $56,457

All Other 12,264 29,283

Provides for the appropriation of funds effective March 1, 2002 to establish one Research Assistant position and related costs for the sexual assault forensic examiner program.

DEPARTMENT OF THE

ATTORNEY GENERAL ______ ______

TOTAL $31,330 $85,740

SUMMARY

The bill establishes, within the Department of the Attorney General, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Advisory Board. The purpose of the board is to promote the statewide creation, growth and sustainability of sexual assault forensic examiner programs by providing advice and assistance regarding training, technical assistance, standards and resources to the sexual assault forensic examiner programs.

This bill also adds an appropriation section that funds one position and related costs to administer the sexual assault forensic examiner program. The program currently exists but is being moved under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Attorney General.