FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information:
June 25, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. David Burns Named to Law and Criminal Justice Committee at National Organization

AUGUSTA – State Rep. David Burns has been appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Law and Criminal Justice at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointment was made in late June by House Speaker Hannah Pingree.

Rep. Burns (R-Whiting), a first-term legislator, said he is honored by the appointment. “I look forward to learning and participating further in issues facing 49 other state legislatures in the coming months,” he said.

Rep. Burns is a 24-year veteran of the Maine State Police, where he worked as a detective. He has continued his involvement with law enforcement through crisis intervention for children and Critical Incident Stress Management for police officers. In the Maine Legislature, he serves on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and also is a member of the working committee for a new joint corrections facility in Washington County.

NCSL is a prominent national organization that facilitates the exchange of information and problem-solving solutions between legislators from across the country. The Law and Criminal Justice Committee examines principles for a balanced state-federal system and takes policy positions to preserve state sovereignty. Criminal justice issues under the committee’s jurisdiction include capital punishment, corrections, crime victims, drug crime, juvenile justice, probation and parole and criminal sentencing. The committee also explores issues involving campaign finance, civil rights, gun control, domestic violence and product liability.

During the Maine Legislature’s First Session, which ended in the early morning hours of June 13, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee worked through some 86 bills, ranging from the issues of possession of animal-fighting paraphernalia to revising the state’s sex offender registry. Committee members also visited most of Maine’s correctional facilities before deciding on budgetary needs.

###