§ 17-A §18-1 — Homelessness crisis protocol

A person who lacks a home who commits a listed offense because the person lacks a home must be treated in accordance with the homelessness crisis protocol adopted by the responding law enforcement agency under subsection 2.
1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Adoption of homelessness crisis protocol.
This subsection governs the adoption of homelessness crisis protocols by the Attorney General and law enforcement agencies. A homelessness crisis protocol must include access and referral to crisis services, mental health and substance use disorder professionals, emergency and transitional housing and case management services.
3.
Law enforcement response to a listed offense by a person who lacks a home.
A law enforcement officer who responds to a call regarding or encounters a person who is committing or has committed a listed offense shall inquire whether the person has a home or lacks a home. If the person lacks a home, the law enforcement officer shall respond to the person using the homelessness crisis protocol adopted by the officer's law enforcement agency under subsection 2.

Legislative History

PL 2021, c. 393, §1 (NEW).