1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Dangerous weapon" has the same meaning as in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 9, paragraph C. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
B. "Department" means the Department of Public Safety. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
C. "Designated groups" means law enforcement agencies and associations, public schools, public preschool programs, foster homes, hospitals or other facilities in which newborns are delivered, veterans' programs and members of the public. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
D. "Firearm" has the same meaning as in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 12‑A. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
E. "Foster home" means a family foster home as defined in Title 22, section 8101, subsection 3. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
F. "Prescription drug" has the same meaning as in Title 22, section 8731, subsection 3‑A. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
G. "Public preschool program" has the same meaning as in Title 20‑A, section 1, subsection 23‑A. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
H. "Public school" has the same meaning as in Title 20‑A, section 1, subsection 24. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
I. "Safety device" means a device designed to secure a firearm, a dangerous weapon or prescription drugs, including but not limited to a firearms safety device, safe, lock or lockbox designed for securing firearms, dangerous weapons or prescription drugs. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
2. Program established. The Safe Homes Program is established and is administered by the department to support the safe storage of prescription drugs, firearms and dangerous weapons in homes or public spaces by providing grants for purchasing safety devices in accordance with this section.
[PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
3. Grants. The Safe Homes Program, established under subsection 2, must provide grants to fund the purchase of safety devices.
A. Grants may be provided under this subsection to designated groups and nonprofit and community organizations serving designated groups. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
B. The department shall administer the provision of grants pursuant to this subsection through an agreement with a statewide law enforcement association. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
C. The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. The rules must include procedures for assisting applicants with the following: the application process; accepting applications; approving and disapproving applications; distributing funding, coupons or vouchers to successful applicants; and expenditures of funds. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A. [PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
4. Safe Homes Program Fund. The Safe Homes Program Fund is established as a nonlapsing fund to provide funding to achieve the purposes of this section. The fund consists of any funds received from private and public sources. The fund must be held separate and apart from all other money, funds and accounts. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. A small portion of the funding may be used by the department to fund administration of the grant program.
[PL 2021, c. 575, §2 (NEW).]
