New Act Strengthens Military and Civilian Communication for Public Safety

Close-up of police car lights flashing at night.

The Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act aims to prevent future tragedies by addressing communication gaps between military and civilian authorities.

At a Glance

Governor Janet Mills supports the act introduced by Sen. Susan Collins and co-sponsored by Sen. Angus King.
The legislation mandates military compliance with state crisis intervention laws.
The bill seeks to protect public safety by disarming dangerous military personnel.
Post-Lewiston tragedy, Maine has strengthened public safety and mental health measures.

Introduction of the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act

In light of the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine on October 25, 2023, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have introduced the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act. The act compels the Army to adhere to state crisis intervention laws designed to disarm military personnel who pose a threat. This legislation aims to bridge communication gaps between military and civilian authorities to prevent future incidents.

The legislation has garnered significant support, including from Maine Governor Janet Mills, who urged the U.S. Department of Defense to advocate for the bill to become law. Governor Mills emphasized the necessity of this bill for public safety and mitigating violence, stating that it would “equip them with another tool to address potentially dangerous situations among military personnel and close communication gaps, which will help protect people, prevent violence, and save lives.”

Legislative Requirements and Support

The Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act mandates the U.S. military services to comply with state crisis intervention laws, such as Maine’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. This law has been invoked 425 times, including 344 instances since the Lewiston tragedy. The act does not create new federal intervention programs but works within existing state frameworks.

“Madam President, I rise today to introduce the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act. This legislation is in response to the October 25, 2023, tragedy in Lewiston, Maine. On that day, 18 Mainers were killed and 13 injured during the worst mass shooting in Maine’s history. For two days, Lewiston and the surrounding communities were locked down and people were frightened as law enforcement searched for the shooter. It was an horrific event that Mainers will never forget, nor should we.”

Post-tragedy, Governor Mills worked alongside the Maine Legislature to enhance public safety and mental health systems. Key initiatives include strengthening Maine’s Extreme Risk Protection Order Law and extending NICS checks to advertised private firearm sales. These measures work to fortify state efforts to protect residents and address mental health issues before they escalate to violence.

Protecting Rights and Improving Communication

The act does not impose new state requirements nor establish a federal crisis intervention program but ensures that the shared information between military and civilian authorities is utilized effectively, especially in potentially dangerous situations involving armed service members. It is also designed to safeguard the due process and Second Amendment rights of service members.

“The DOD takes seriously its responsibility to fulfill the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect to those in our care while providing support to their families.”

Crafted in collaboration with the Army, veteran service organizations, and sportsmen groups, the legislation addresses the communication gaps identified during the Lewiston shooting investigations. The bill’s ultimate goal is to save lives by ensuring service members experiencing crises receive the necessary assistance and that proper measures are promptly taken.