Sec. 1. 25 MRSA §2804-C, sub-§6 is enacted to read:

6.__Training regarding people with autism and developmental disabilities.__The board shall include in the basic law enforcement training program a block of instruction aimed specifically at identifying and safely interacting with persons with autism and other developmental disabilities and reducing barriers to reporting crimes against people with autism and developmental disabilities and addressing the unique challenges posed by cases that involve victims or witnesses with autism and developmental disabilities.

Sec. 2. 30-A MRSA §251, sub-§4 is enacted to read:

4.__Continuing legal education.__In addition to the requirements of Maine Bar Rule 12, a prosecutor shall complete one credit hour in each calendar year primarily concerned with reducing barriers to reporting crimes against people with autism and developmental disabilities and addressing the unique challenges posed by cases that involve victims or witnesses with autism and developmental disabilities.

Sec. 3. Required recertification law enforcement training. The Board of Trustees of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy shall include requirements in its next available schedule of recertification training for all law enforcement officers a block of instruction aimed specifically at reducing barriers to reporting crimes against people with autism and developmental disabilities and addressing the unique challenges posed by cases that involve victims or witnesses with autism and developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY

This bill requires mandatory training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors regarding people with autism and developmental disabilities.