Sen. Rotundo bill to allow information sharing between law enforcement and school officials signed into law by Governor
AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, June 3, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill from Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, that allows law enforcement officers and criminal justice agencies to share information with school officials regarding minors possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapons. The bill, LD 386, “An Act Regarding Information That May Be Shared by Law Enforcement Entities with a School Superintendent or a Principal,” aims to increase safety in Maine school systems and communities.
“I’m so glad to see Governor Mills take action on this legislation and sign it into law,” said Sen. Rotundo. “Now, law enforcement officials have an additional, crucial avenue of communication with our schools and communities. Police officers, sheriffs and other law enforcement entities can now contact school officials if they acquire information that indicates a student has a firearm or other potentially dangerous weapons. Maine’s schools, students, teachers and our communities are now safer with this added layer of communication.”
LD 386 will clear any legal obstacles in existing statute that create uncertainty around the legality of local law enforcement agencies contacting school officials with information pertaining to juveniles who are in possession of a firearm or other potentially lethal or dangerous weapons.
This bill was the result of discussions last fall between the Lewiston Legislative Delegation and the Lewiston Chief of Police, the District Attorney and other members of law enforcement last fall about ways the State could help promote public safety in Maine communities.
LD 386 will go into effect 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourns.
###