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An Act Regarding the Limit on the Number of Children Who May Be Placed in a Single Foster Home
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  the emergency enactment of this legislation is necessary to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to place in appropriate foster homes children who are currently awaiting such placement; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §8107, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 629, §2, is amended to read:
 
1. Number; placement in children's homes.   The limitations on the number of children in children's homes shalldo not prohibit the placement of more than the allowed number, if the purpose of the placement is to keep siblings together.
Sec. 2.  22 MRSA §8107, sub-§1-A  is enacted to read:
 
1-A.  Number; placement in family foster home.     The limitation on the number of children in a family foster home does not prohibit the placement of more than the allowed number in an individual case involving unusual circumstances if the department determines that placement to be appropriate.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 128th Legislature, Second Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.