The Maine Legislature has approved a bill meant to divert youth from the criminal legal system by strengthening access to behavioral health and other support services.
LD 1779, sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner (D-Portland), narrowly passed the House last week on a 75-70 vote. The Senate then followed suit on Monday, approving the legislation primarily along party lines by a 19-14 margin, with nearly all Democrats in support.
As amended, the measure establishes a process for allowing a law enforcement officer to refer a young person they think has committed a crime to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for an assessment to determine the support services the juvenile may need. If that assessment shows the young person has complex behavioral health needs, the department must refer the youth to services where they can receive the care required.
Tags: Legislation Prearrest Diversion Programs Programs Support Services
