Gov. Mills signs Sen. Pierce bill to strengthen emergency broadcasting services in Maine

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, April 16, Gov. Janet T. Mills signed a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, to localize emergency broadcasting services and deliver timely, geo-specific news alerts during severe weather and public safety events.

“Our weather and world are rapidly evolving,” said Sen. Pierce. “LD 2003 addresses this fact by allowing our emergency broadcast systems to specifically alert affected areas, rather than the whole state. This bill will upgrade our public safety infrastructure, better prepare Mainers to respond and save lives in doing so. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support and the Governor’s signature on this law.”

LD 2003 will provide one-time funds to acquire broadcast infrastructure equipment to enable localization of public safety information and emergency alert messaging on the statewide radio network operated by the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, in partnership with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

In the First Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature, Sen. Pierce championed passage of LD 692 with unanimous support in both chambers, strengthening the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation’s ability to provide emergency broadcasting messaging. LD 2003 builds on this progress by allowing for localized emergency broadcasting services.

As non-emergency legislation, the law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

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