Whereas, there is an immediate need for transitional services for sex offenders and sexually violent predators, including support for housing and employment and treatment, in the communities to which the sex offenders return after release from incarceration; and

Whereas, improved communication between the Department of Corrections and law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring awareness, public safety and more successful transitioning of sex offenders and sexually violent predators back into society; 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, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Corrections to develop plan to establish transitional services for sex offenders and sexually violent predators and to improve communications with law enforcement agencies. Resolved: That the Department of Corrections, in coordination with other state agencies, the Legislature, law enforcement officers, private service providers and other interested parties, shall develop a plan to establish transitional services for sex offenders and sexually violent predators released from incarceration, including community support for housing and employment and necessary counseling and treatment. The department shall also, in coordination with the Legislature and law enforcement officers, develop a plan to improve communications between the department and law enforcement agencies regarding the conditional release and discharge of sex offenders and sexually violent predators from incarceration. The department shall present a report, including its recommendations and plans for implementation of those recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety by May 1, 2003. The Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety may report out legislation to implement the recommendations if necessary.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Corrections to