ME LD1909

Department of Public Safety must contract with an outside entity within 30 days to conduct an independent study of how criminal legal system data is collected, stored, and shared across Maine

Study must analyze current data practices of law enforcement, courts, and corrections, identify barriers to comprehensive understanding of criminal justice policy implementation, and develop recommendations with cost estimates

Municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies, the judicial branch, Department of Corrections, and county correctional facilities must provide reasonable access to data collection systems for the study

Contracted entity must submit findings and recommendations to Department of Public Safety by October 1, 2026; department must forward report to legislative committees by November 4, 2026

Joint standing committees on criminal justice/public safety and judiciary may introduce legislation based on the report to the 133rd Legislature in 2027