An Act To Employ Mental Health Personnel Within The Maine State Police

LD 298 allocates state funds to create three mental health coordinator positions within the Maine State Police (one assigned to each of the Southern, Central, and Troop F field troops) and one Behavioral Health Coordinator Supervisor position to oversee them. These coordinators will work directly with community members who have interacted with law enforcement and require mental health or social services, making decisions about their health, safety, and welfare. The bill includes budget details for these roles, totaling approximately $403,000 annually for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. This legislation adds mental health expertise to law enforcement responses without changing existing legal requirements.