This resolve directs the Department of Public Safety to commission an independent study by contracting with an entity outside of State Government that will provide an analysis of the ways in which public entities in Maine with involvement in the criminal legal system currently collect and store criminal legal system data, identification of the barriers to achieving a comprehensive and accurate understanding of how criminal legal system laws and policies are being implemented and a multiphase plan to address those
44 barriers. The contract entered into with the contracted entity must require the contracted
45 entity to provide a report to the Department of Public Safety by October 1, 2026. By
46 November 4, 2026, the department must submit the report to the joint standing committees
47 of the Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal justice and public safety matters and
48 judiciary matters. Each of the joint standing committees may report out legislation based
49 on the report to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.