7.__Violation.__Except as provided in this section, a law enforcement agency, law enforcement association, law enforcement officer or any other person may not solicit donations for a law enforcement agency, law enforcement association or law enforcement officer.__Any violation of this section constitutes a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

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

SUMMARY

This bill allows a law enforcement agency, law enforcement association or law enforcement officer to solicit funds for a law enforcement officer who is suffering from a catastrophic illness after the law enforcement agency, association or officer obtains the approval of the governing body of the area in which the solicitation will occur and the Attorney General. Funds collected must be retained in an escrow account maintained solely for the benefit of the ill law enforcement officer or the heirs of that officer if the officer dies.