3 M.R.S. § 851 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 851
3 §851. Eligibility for retirement
Status: in_force

Upon written application to the board setting forth the date upon which the member chooses to terminate employment, any member may retire on a service retirement allowance upon meeting one of the following. [PL 1989, c. 133, §8 (AMD).]

1. Age 60 years; 10 years of creditable service on July 1, 1993. [PL 1999, c. 756, §1 (RP).]

1-A. Age 62; less than 10 years creditable service on July 1, 1993. [PL 1999, c. 756, §1 (RP).]

1-B. At least 10 years of creditable service or 60 years of age on July 1, 1993. A member who on July 1, 1993, whether or not in service on that date, had 10 years of creditable service or who on July 1, 1993 had reached 60 years of age and was then in service may retire at 60 years of age or thereafter, whether or not the member is in service at retirement. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 10 years of creditable service. [PL 2007, c. 491, §23 (AMD).]

1-C. Less than 10 years of creditable service on July 1, 1993. A member who on July 1, 1993 had less than 10 years of creditable service and who was in service on October 1, 1999; who had left service prior to October 1, 1999 with or without withdrawing contributions and on or after October 1, 1999 returned to service; or who first enters service on or after October 1, 1999 may retire at 62 years of age or thereafter, whether or not the member is in service at retirement, as long as the member has at the time of retirement at least 5 years of creditable service. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 5 years of creditable service. [PL 2007, c. 491, §24 (AMD).]

1-D. At least 5 years creditable service on July 1, 2011. Eligibility for retirement for a member who on July 1, 2011 had at least 5 years of creditable service is governed by subsection 1‑B if the member had 10 years of creditable service or was at least 60 years of age on July 1, 1993 or by subsection 1‑C if the member had less than 10 years of creditable service on July 1, 1993. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §1 (NEW).]

1-E. Less than 5 years creditable service on July 1, 2011. A member who on July 1, 2011 had less than 5 years of creditable service may retire at 65 years of age or thereafter, whether or not the member is in service at retirement, as long as the member has at the time of retirement at least 5 years of creditable service. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 5 years of creditable service. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §2 (NEW).]

2. Early retirement; 10 years of creditable service on July 1, 1993. Any member, whether or not in service at retirement, who on July 1, 1993 had at least 10 years of creditable service and who has completed at least 25 years of creditable service may retire any time before the member's 60th birthday. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 25 years of creditable service. The retirement allowance is determined in accordance with section 852 , except that it is reduced by multiplying the retirement allowance by a fraction that represents the ratio of the amount of a life annuity due at age 60 years to the amount of a life annuity due at the age of retirement. The tables of annuities in effect at the date of retirement are used for this purpose. [PL 2007, c. 491, §25 (AMD).]

2-A. Early retirement; less than 10 years creditable service on July 1, 1993. Any member, whether or not in service at retirement, who on July 1, 1993 had less than 10 years of creditable service and who has completed at least 25 years of creditable service may retire any time before the member's 62nd birthday. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 25 years of creditable service. The retirement allowance is determined in accordance with section 852 , except that it is reduced by 6% for each year that the member's age precedes age 62. [PL 2007, c. 491, §26 (AMD).]

2-B. Five-year minimum creditable service requirement for eligibility to receive a service retirement benefit at applicable age; applicability. The minimum requirement of 5 years of creditable service for eligibility to receive service retirement benefits under subsection 1‑C , 1‑D or 1‑E applies only to: A. A member who was in service on October 1, 1999; [PL 1999, c. 756, §4 (NEW).] B. Upon return to service, a member who had left service prior to October 1, 1999 with or without withdrawing that member's contributions and who on or after October 1, 1999 returned to service; or [PL 1999, c. 756, §4 (NEW).] C. A member who was first in service on or after October 1, 1999. [PL 1999, c. 756, §4 (NEW).] For those members to whom the 5-year minimum creditable service requirement does not apply, the 10-year minimum creditable service requirement for eligibility to receive service retirement benefits remains in effect on and after October 1, 1999. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §3 (AMD).]

2-C. Early retirement; less than 5 years creditable service on July 1, 2011. Any member, whether or not in service at retirement, who on July 1, 2011 had less than 5 years of creditable service and who has completed at least 25 years of creditable service may retire any time before the member's 65th birthday. Creditable service as a member of any other retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be combined with creditable service as a member of the Legislative Retirement Program for the purpose of determining the completion of 25 years of creditable service. The retirement allowance is determined in accordance with section 852 , except that it is reduced by 6% for each year that the member's age precedes age 65. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 953 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 953
3 §953. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

1. Agency. "Agency" means a governmental entity subject to review pursuant to this chapter, but not subject to automatic termination. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

2. Committee or committee of jurisdiction. "Committee or committee of jurisdiction" means the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the same policy and substantive matters as an agency subject to review under this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

3. Independent agency. "Independent agency" means a governmental entity subject to review and to termination pursuant to this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 601 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 27 / Section 601
3 §601. Approval of legislation
Status: in_force

This section applies when the agreement of an Indian tribe, nation or band to state legislation is required by the federal Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, Public Law 96-420, formerly codified at 25 United States Code, Section 1725(e); the federal Aroostook Band of Micmacs Settlement Act, Public Law 102-171; or other act of Congress. [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Indian tribe, nation or band" means the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Mi'kmaq Nation. [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] B. "Legislation" means state legislation to which this section applies. [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

2. Deadline for certifying agreement. The legislation must expressly provide that it will not take effect, in whole or in part, unless each Indian tribe, nation or band whose agreement is required by federal law certifies its agreement to the legislation. Any deadline included in the legislation for the Indian tribe, nation or band to transmit the certification of its agreement to the legislation to the Secretary of State in accordance with subsection 4 may not be less than 120 days after final adjournment of the legislative session during which the legislation was enacted. For purposes of this section, legislation is enacted on the date that the Governor signs the legislation, the date that the unsigned legislation has the same force and effect pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 2 as if the Governor had signed it or the date that the Governor's veto of the legislation is overridden. [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

3. Notice. Within 15 business days after final adjournment of a legislative session, the Secretary of State shall notify the chief or chiefs of an Indian tribe, nation or band, or the person designated by the chief or chiefs pursuant to section 602 or 603 , of each item of legislation enacted during the legislative session for which the certification of the agreement of the Indian tribe, nation or band is required by federal law. The notice must inform the chief or the chief's designee of the deadline, if any, set forth in the legislation for transmittal of the certification of the agreement of the Indian tribe, nation or band in accordance with subsection 4 . Between 60 and 75 business days after final adjournment of a legislative session, the Secretary of State shall send a 2nd notice to the person to whom the Secretary of State sent an initial notice under this subsection identifying each item of legislation for which the certification of the agreement of the Indian tribe, nation or band is required by federal law but has not been received. The notice must inform the person of the deadline, if any, set forth in each item of legislation for transmittal of the certification of the agreement of the Indian tribe, nation or band in accordance with subsection 4 . [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

4. Certification of agreement. The chief or chiefs of an Indian tribe, nation or band whose agreement is required by federal law, or the person designated by the chief or chiefs pursuant to section 602 or 603 , may certify the agreement of the Indian tribe, nation or band to the legislation in writing to the Secretary of State. The certification must state the date and manner in which the Indian tribe, nation or band agreed to the legislation and is prima facie evidence of agreement if submitted in accordance with the requirements of this subsection and within the transmittal deadline, if any, established in accordance with subsection 2 . The Secretary of State shall transmit certified copies of the certification of agreement to the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Revisor of Statutes. [PL 2023, c. 620, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 227 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 227
3 §227. Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission
Status: in_force

The Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission, as authorized by Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 10 , consists of 12 members, all of whom must be citizens of this State. The Speaker of the House shall appoint 6 members, 2 for a term of one year and 4 who must be members of the House of Representatives and who each hold office from the date of appointment until the term of election to the Legislature expires. The President of the Senate shall appoint 6 members, 2 for a term of one year and 4 who must be Senators and who each hold office from the date of appointment until the term of election to the Legislature expires. At least one member appointed by the President of the Senate and one member appointed by the Speaker of the House must be fluent in the French language. The legislative members appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House must equally represent the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature. In the event of the death or resignation of any member, the vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the original appointment. [PL 2023, c. 415, §1 (AMD).]

Members must be compensated as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 . Six members constitute a quorum. The commission shall designate one of its members as chair. [PL 2023, c. 415, §1 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 996 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 37 / Section 996
3 §996. Assistance to committee
Status: in_force

The Department of the Attorney General, the State Auditor, the State Controller, the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services, the Director of the Office of Fiscal and Program Review and the Director of the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall assist the committee and office with program evaluations under this chapter if the committee and the director determine that such assistance is necessary. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

The Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services shall provide office space to house the office within the Burton M. Cross Building. This office space must be provided at no charge. [PL 2003, c. 451, Pt. KKK, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 551 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 25 / Section 551
3 §551. Analysis of proposed bond issues
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services, together with the Treasurer of State, shall advise the Legislature and the Governor in a timely manner and in written form as to the effect on the State's bonded debt of any bond issue or issues proposed. Specifically, the analysis provided must indicate the relationship of the issue or issues proposed to the limit on the aggregate level of outstanding state debt established by this chapter and to the future debt service requirements on the State. The analysis must be comprehensive in nature and include consideration of the outstanding debt, bonds authorized but unissued, and proposed issues enacted by the Legislature and awaiting ratification or rejection by the electors. [PL 1991, c. 780, Pt. Y, §6 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 4 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 4
3 §4. Postaudit
Status: in_force

A postaudit of all accounts and other financial records of the Legislature, the Governor's office, except the Governor's Expense Account, and any agency or office in the Executive Department which has not been audited by a state or federal agency within the preceding 24 months, shall be performed at least once every 2 years by independent certified public accountants designated by the Governor. Such audit report shall be filed with the Legislature and with the State Library. [PL 1979, c. 312, §1 (RPR).]
3 M.R.S. § 224 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 224
3 §224. Director
Status: in_force

The executive head of the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Office is the director, who is appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate with the approval of the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission. The director must be paid a salary fixed by the Legislative Council from sums available under section 226 . The director must be able to speak the French language fluently. The director shall report to and is subject to the direction of the Legislative Council. [PL 2019, c. 475, §22 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 41-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 41-A
3 §41-A. Speaker of House of Representatives; term limitation
Status: in_force

A person may not serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives for more than 3 consecutive legislative bienniums. Service in that capacity before December 2, 1992 is not included in the calculation of years served. [PL 1993, c. 403, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 403, §3 (AFF).]
3 M.R.S. § 342 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 17 / Section 342
3 §342. Facilities
Status: reserved

There shall be maintained and reserved during each legislative session for the use of such representatives of the press as have the privilege of the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives under section 341 , such facilities as may meet their requirements with reasonable convenience and adequacy.

If reasonably consistent with other essential uses of State House office space, these facilities shall continue to be assigned for press use while the Legislature is not in session, but in any case, reasonably adequate facilities shall also be made available to the press at all other times. [PL 1989, c. 410, §6 (AMD).]

All facilities so provided must be properly maintained by the Bureau of General Services. [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 426 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 426
3 §426. Oaths
Status: in_force

All testimony of subpoenaed witnesses shall be under oath. A voluntary witness may be required to testify under oath by legislative committee action. Oaths shall be administered by the chairman. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 1002 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 37 / Section 1002
3 §1002. Review of proposed tax expenditures
Status: in_force

1. Procedures before legislative committees. Whenever a legislative measure contains a proposed new tax expenditure or a proposed change that affects an existing tax expenditure, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal shall hold a public hearing and determine the level of support for the proposal among the members of the joint standing committee. If there is support for the proposal among a majority of the members of the joint standing committee, the joint standing committee shall request the policy committee to review and evaluate the proposal pursuant to subsection 2 and to report to the joint standing committee. A proposed tax expenditure or change to an existing tax expenditure may not be enacted into law unless the review and evaluation pursuant to this section has been completed. [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).]

2. Evaluation. Upon referral pursuant to subsection 1 of a proposal from the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal, the policy committee, in consultation with the office, shall conduct a review and evaluation of the proposal and shall report in a timely manner to the joint standing committee. The policy committee shall evaluate whether the proposed or amended tax expenditure is likely to be assigned to the full evaluation category under section 998, subsection 1, paragraph A . If the tax expenditure is likely to be assigned for full evaluation, the policy committee shall evaluate whether the proposal contains the provisions necessary for a full evaluation under section 999 , including whether the proposal: A. Identifies the purposes and goals of the tax expenditure; [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).] B. Identifies the data or other information necessary to evaluate the tax expenditure and the person or agency responsible for collecting that data or information; [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).] C. Requires the appropriate person or agency to provide the data or other information identified in paragraph B to the office; and [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).] D. Provides the necessary framework to permit the office to evaluate and report on the tax expenditure as required under section 999 . [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).]

3. Report. After its evaluation pursuant to subsection 2 , the policy committee shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal its findings and recommendation on whether the proposed tax expenditure is likely to be assigned to the full evaluation category under section 998, subsection 1, paragraph A and, if so, whether it contains the provisions necessary to fulfill the requirements of a full evaluation under section 999 or whether the legislation should be amended to contain the necessary provisions. [PL 2023, c. 417, §7 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 521 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 24 / Section 521
3 §521. Committee
Status: in_force

The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs is authorized to provide oversight of financial matters, excluding those items over which the Legislative Council has statutory authority. [PL 1981, c. 702, Pt. S (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 402 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 402
3 §402. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words shall have the following meanings. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

1. Chair. The "chair" is the presiding officer of the investigating committee. The chair may be the permanent chair or another member designated as temporary chair in the absence of the chair. [PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

2. Executive session. An "executive session" is a session at which only members of the investigating committee, staff of the committee, counsel to the committee, the witness and counsel may be present. [PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

3. Interested party. An "interested party" is any person who learns that that person has been specifically identified in testimony taken before an investigating committee and who reasonably believes that that person has been adversely affected by such testimony. [PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

4. Investigating committee. An "investigating committee" is any committee of the Legislature which has been granted by the Legislature the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas and take depositions, as authorized by section 165, subsection 7 . "Investigating committee" shall include the Legislative Council when it exercises the authority granted under section 162, subsection 4 , but shall not include the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices when it exercises the authority granted under Title 1, chapter 25 . [PL 1977, c. 78, §2 (AMD).]

5. Investigating committee action. An "investigating committee action" is any decision arrived at formally by an investigating committee. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

6. Members. The "members" of an investigating committee are the legislators appointed by the Legislature to serve on the committee. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

7. Quorum. A "quorum" is a majority of the members of a legislative investigating committee. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

8. Testimony. "Testimony" is any form of evidence received by an investigating committee. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

9. Witness. A "witness" is any person who testifies before an investigating committee or who gives a deposition. "Witness" shall include an interested party who requests permission to testify. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 425 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 425
3 §425. Notice to members
Status: in_force

Notice of the date and time of any meeting of the committee and of any hearing to be held by the committee shall be given to all members of the investigating committee at least 3 days in advance. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 21 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 21
3 §21. Organization
Status: in_force

The Secretary of the preceding Senate, at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the Legislature, shall call the Senators-elect present to order, and from the certified roll furnished to the secretary call their names, and if a quorum respond, the secretary shall preside until they are qualified and a President is elected. If no quorum appear the secretary shall preside, and the Senators-elect present shall adjourn from day to day, but shall transact no business, except to go into convention to fill vacancies, until a quorum appear and are qualified and a President is elected. After the election of the President, the Senate shall proceed to elect by ballot a secretary and an assistant secretary. [PL 2019, c. 475, §13 (AMD).]

In case of vacancy in the office of such secretary or in the secretary's absence or the secretary's inability to perform the duties, the secretary's assistant shall perform the duties. [PL 2019, c. 475, §13 (AMD).]

If the Secretary of the Senate and the secretary's assistant are absent at the time set for convening the Senate, their duties must be performed by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of State's deputy. [PL 2019, c. 475, §13 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 315-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 315-A
3 §315-A. Registration docket; disclosure website
Status: in_force

1. Registration. The commission shall prepare and maintain a docket for the registration of lobbyists and employers of lobbyists required to register pursuant to this chapter. The registration docket and all supplementary files of information and materials filed pursuant to this chapter must be open to public inspection during the office hours of the commission. The docket must contain the name of the lobbyist and the person employing the lobbyist, the business address of each, the nature of the business of the person employing the lobbyist and a statement as to the compensation that the lobbyist will receive for lobbying services or, if an exact amount is not ascertainable, the basis upon which the lobbyist will charge for services. This docket must be updated on a monthly basis and arranged and indexed as follows: A. An alphabetical listing of those persons who have employed a lobbyist, which listing must indicate the names of all lobbyists employed by the employer; and [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).] B. An alphabetical listing of those persons employed as lobbyists, which listing must indicate the names of all persons by whom each lobbyist is employed. [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).] The docket must be reestablished annually by the commission and the docket for any year must be maintained and be available for public inspection in the office of the commission for 4 years from the expiration of the docket. [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).]

2. Disclosure website. The commission shall develop and maintain a publicly accessible website that displays: A. A list of all persons who have employed a lobbyist during the current year; [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).] B. A list of all lobbyists and lobbyist associates registered for the year; [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).] C. A profile of each registered lobbyist and lobbyist associate, including contact information, the name of the lobbyist's employer or employers and, if provided by the lobbyist or lobbyist associate, a photograph of the lobbyist or lobbyist associate; [PL 2005, c. 613, §1 (NEW).] D. A profile of each person employing a lobbyist, including contact information for the employer, and a list of lobbyists and lobbyist associates engaged by the employer; [PL 2007, c. 630, §11 (AMD).] E. For each employer, a list of all legislative actions that have been the subject of lobbying for the year, including hyperlinks to the summary page of the Legislature's publicly accessible website for each legislative document listed; [PL 2011, c. 179, §2 (AMD).] F. A list of officials in the executive branch as defined in section 312‑A, subsection 10‑C ; and [PL 2011, c. 179, §3 (AMD).] G. The monthly reports filed under section 317 and an annual summary of those monthly reports. [PL 2011, c. 179, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 179, §§2-4 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 905 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 905
3 §905. Contributions
Status: in_force

The commission may accept gifts, bequests and federal funds for purposes consistent with the objectives of this chapter. These gifts, bequests and federal funds must be used solely to carry out the purposes for which they were made. Gifts may include furnishings or other artifacts. Contributions received by the commission for the purpose of major repairs or renovations to the State House may be transferred to the Reserve Fund for State House Preservation and Maintenance established in section 162, subsection 12‑A . [PL 1993, c. 415, Pt. J, §2 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 522-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 24 / Section 522-A
3 §522-A. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Budget Review
Status: in_force

The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife shall review the budget of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and submit its recommendations in a written report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs no later than 60 days after reference of the current services budget legislation and any supplemental budget legislation to the joint standing committee having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs of the Legislature. [PL 1989, c. 439, §§1,8 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 165 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 165
3 §165. Joint committees, authority
Status: in_force

The Legislature may by rule establish such joint standing committees and joint select committees as it deems necessary. Such committees shall have the authority, both when the Legislature is in session and when it is not in session: [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

1. Collect information. To collect information concerning the government and general welfare of the State as related to assignments received from the council; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

2. Information and reports provided. To assist the Legislature in the proper performance of its constitutional functions by providing its members with impartial and accurate information and reports concerning the legislative problems which are assigned by the Legislative Council which information may be obtained by independent studies or by cooperation with and information from similar agencies in other states as to the practice of other states in dealing with similar problems; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

3. Quorum. A majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum, and a majority thereof shall have the authority to act in any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the committee. A committee may hold either public or private hearings and may hold executive sessions, excluding all except members of the committee; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

4. State department to furnish information. Each state department shall furnish to a committee such documents, material or information as may be requested by a committee; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

5. Minutes. A committee shall keep minutes of matters considered and votes taken at its meetings and shall make reports to the Legislature on all matters which come before the committee, the actions taken thereon and the progress made in relation thereto; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

6. Reports to Legislature and public. Reports of a committee may be made from time to time to members of the Legislature and to the public; [PL 1973, c. 590, §8 (NEW).]

7. Other subpoenas, etc. When the duties assigned to a committee so require, the Legislature may grant to it the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony, and to cause the deposition of witnesses, whether residing within or without the State, to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions in the Superior Court. When the Legislature grants this power to a joint standing committee or joint select committee, such committee functions as an investigating committee and is subject to the provisions of chapter 21 . No appropriation or allocation may be made for a specific study unless the Legislative Council has first approved a budget adopted by the joint standing committee that is to conduct the study. No appropriation or allocation may be made for the operation of any joint select committee unless the Legislative Council has first approved a budget adopted by the joint select committee. In case of disobedience on the part of any person to comply with any subpoena issued in behalf of a committee, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matters regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, it is the duty of the Superior Court of any county, on application of a member of a committee, to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from that court or a refusal to testify in that court. Each witness, other than a state officer or employee, who appears before a committee by its order or subpoena is entitled to receive for that witness's attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in courts of record, which must be audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers sworn to by such witness and approved by the chair of the committee; [PL 2019, c. 475, §19 (AMD).]

8. [PL 1975, c. 750, §2 (RP).]
3 M.R.S. § 156 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 156
3 §156. Prehearing conference
Status: in_force

The appropriate joint standing committee shall hold a prehearing conference for each nominee, unless the committee decides otherwise. If the committee determines that it is necessary to avoid damage to the reputation of the nominee or that there are issues that should be discussed privately, the prehearing conference may go into executive session using the procedures specified in Title 1, section 405 , and only the committee members and the partisan staff assistants may attend. All materials prepared for or reviewed in the conference are not subject to the provisions of Title 1, chapter 13 except as provided in section 159 . The prehearing conference is governed by the Joint Rules of the Legislature and by the committee's rules of procedure, except that a quorum of 7 committee members must be present for votes in the prehearing conference. Votes may not be taken in executive session. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

The committee shall set a public hearing date. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

The committee may ask the partisan staff assistants to prepare additional background information for a public hearing. The chairs shall notify the nominee of all actions taken and decisions made at the prehearing conference. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 962 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 962
3 §962. Legal claims
Status: in_force

Termination, modification or establishment of agencies or independent agencies as a result of the review required by this chapter does not extinguish any legal claims against the State, any state employee or state agency or independent agency. The provisions of this chapter do not relieve the State or any agency or independent agency of responsibility for making timely payment of the principal and interest of any debt issued in the form of a bond or note. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 326 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 326
3 §326. Construction
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the giving or receiving of a pecuniary benefit where otherwise prohibited by law. [PL 1979, c. 632, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 226 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 226
3 §226. Funds
Status: in_force

Funds from the Federal Government, state appropriation, or from any individual, group, foundation, corporation or other private source may be accepted by the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Office and expended for purposes consistent with this chapter. [PL 1977, c. 605, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 429 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 429
3 §429. Release of testimony
Status: in_force

1. Release. The decision to release testimony and the decision as to the form and manner in which testimony may be released is an investigating committee action. However, no testimony may be released without first affording the witness who gave such testimony, or the witness's counsel, an opportunity to object to the proposed release. A. The witness or the witness's counsel may, by such objection, require that testimony given in open session, if it is released at all, be released in the form of a full, consecutive transcript. [PL 2019, c. 475, §27 (AMD).] B. The witness or the witness's counsel may, by such objection, require that testimony given in executive session not be released in any form or manner whatsoever. [PL 2019, c. 475, §27 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 475, §27 (AMD).]

2. Transcript. The witness or the witness's counsel, upon payment of the cost of preparation, must be given a transcript of any testimony taken. However, the witness or the witness's counsel is not entitled to obtain a transcript of the executive session testimony of other witnesses. The release of a transcript under this subsection is not the release of testimony within the meaning of subsection 1 . [PL 2019, c. 475, §27 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 907 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 907
3 §907. Cooperation and information exchange
Status: in_force

The State House and Capitol Park Commission, the Capitol Planning Commission and the Office of the Governor shall exchange information on a regular basis, at least 2 times each year, concerning the plans, proposals and activities of each organization with respect to the facilities and grounds at the seat of government. Each organization shall cooperate with the others and coordinate their efforts. [PL 1989, c. 410, §12 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 173 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 173
3 §173. State Law Library; services
Status: in_force

The State Law Library shall provide the following services: [PL 1985, c. 501, Pt. B, §11 (AMD).]

1. Legislative reference service. Provide a comprehensive reference service on legislative problems for all members of the Legislature and its committees, equally and impartially, and to the limits of its staff and facilities. Such reference services shall be available also to public officials and to citizens generally. Collect, index and make available in the most suitable form information relative to governmental subjects which will aid the Legislature, other public officials and citizens to perform their duties in an enlightened manner. [PL 1971, c. 480, §1 (NEW).]

2. Law library. Provide a law library for the use of all agencies of State Government, the judiciary, attorneys and citizens of Maine. [PL 1985, c. 501, Pt. B, §11 (AMD).]

3. Distribution, sale and exchange of law books. Copies of the Revised Statutes, supplements to the Revised Statutes and session laws must be delivered by the printer to the State Law Librarian for distribution and sale in accordance with prices, policies and procedures established by the Legislative Council. All proceeds from such sales must be deposited to the credit of the General Fund. A. Copies must be sent, on an exchange basis, to the Library of Congress, secretary of the Maine State Bar Association, the Supreme Court Library of Canada and to each state or territorial library in the United States. One copy of the laws passed by each session of the Legislature must be given to each Member of the Legislature, the Secretary of the Senate, the Assistant Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House and the Assistant Clerk of the House. [PL 2019, c. 475, §21 (AMD).] B. [PL 1985, c. 501, Pt. B, §11 (RP).] C. [PL 1985, c. 501, Pt. B, §11 (RP).] The State Law Librarian may, in the librarian's discretion, sell surplus copies of volumes entrusted to the librarian or use them for exchange purposes to increase the usefulness of the library. Proceeds from all sales must be deposited to the credit of the General Fund. [PL 2019, c. 475, §21 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 170 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 170
3 §170. Partisan employees; restricted activities
Status: in_force

Partisan legislative employees who assume active roles in campaigns shall either limit their activities to evenings and weekends or take leave to pursue these activities if they occur during the Legislature's regular business day, which is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This includes fund raising for campaign efforts as well as other activities that are directly related to election or reelection efforts. [PL 1995, c. 100, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 313 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 313
3 §313. Registration of lobbyists, lobbyist associates and employers
Status: in_force

1. Registration. No later than 10 calendar days after lobbying more than 8 hours in a calendar month on behalf of an employer, a lobbyist shall submit a joint registration to the commission for the employer, the lobbyist and any lobbyist associates and pay a registration fee of $250. The lobbyist shall pay an additional $125 for each lobbyist associate included in the joint registration. [PL 2023, c. 279, §1 (AMD).]

2. Fee waiver. The commission may waive the fee or fees required under subsection 1 in whole or in part if the commission determines that the fee or fees constitute an economic hardship to the employer. A lobbyist or employer may submit an application for a waiver under this subsection on a form or in the format approved by the commission. After receiving an application for a fee waiver, the commission may request relevant information from the lobbyist or employer, including, but not limited to, the amount of compensation the employer expects to pay the lobbyist in the coming lobbying year, the employer's budgeted expenditures for personnel or for all programs and activities in the coming year and the employer's revenues or expenses in the prior year. [PL 2021, c. 114, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 170-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 170-A
3 §170-A. Use of legislative equipment and resources
Status: in_force

Legislative employees are prohibited from at any time using the computer system, telephones, copying machines and other legislative equipment for work related to campaigns. [PL 1995, c. 100, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 859 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 859
3 §859. Remarriage after retirement
Status: in_force

If a retiree who is the recipient of a reduced service retirement allowance under section 857 remarries after the retiree's spouse dies, the retiree may elect to have the reduced retirement benefit paid under the same option to the new spouse after the retiree's death instead of continuing the original reduced retirement allowance to the retiree during the retiree's lifetime, under the same basis as provided for members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, section 17805 . [PL 2007, c. 491, §32 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 472 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 472
3 §472. Erroneously compelled testimony
Status: in_force

Testimony compelled to be given over a proper claim of privilege, or testimony released in violation of section 429 , or any evidence obtained as a result of such improper procedure is not admissible in any subsequent criminal proceeding. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 955 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 955
3 §955. Committee schedule
Status: in_force

1. Review established. The committee of jurisdiction shall establish its agency review schedule in accordance with this chapter and upon approval of the necessary resources by the Legislative Council. The committee of jurisdiction shall request from each agency and independent agency scheduled for review under section 959 a single-page list of organizational units and programs within each organizational unit by March 1st of the first regular session of the Legislature. The agency or independent agency shall provide the list to the committee of jurisdiction by April 1st of the first regular session of the Legislature. The committee of jurisdiction shall provide an agency or independent agency with a written notice of its intent to review the agency or independent agency by May 1st of the first regular session of the Legislature. [PL 2013, c. 307, §1 (AMD).]

2. Submission of program evaluation report. Each agency and independent agency shall prepare and submit no later than November 1st prior to the second regular session of the Legislature, a program evaluation report as required in section 956 , to the Legislature through the committee of jurisdiction. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

3. Conduct review. The committee of jurisdiction shall begin its agency review process no later than February 1st of the second regular session of the Legislature and in accordance with this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

4. Report issued. For those agencies and independent agencies selected for review by the committee of jurisdiction, the committee shall submit to the Legislature no later than March 15th of the second regular session of the Legislature the findings, administrative recommendations or legislation required to implement recommendations made as a result of its review, analysis and evaluation. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

5. Follow-up review. The committee of jurisdiction shall establish in its final report a specified time in which the committee may review the progress of an agency in meeting the recommendations of the committee report. A follow-up review may consist of written progress reports, public hearings with the agency and committee or any other method approved by the committee of jurisdiction in its final report. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 473 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 473
3 §473. Contempt
Status: in_force

A witness may not be punished for contempt of an investigating committee unless the court finds: [PL 2019, c. 475, §29 (AMD).]

1. Conduct. That the conduct of the witness amounted to contempt; [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

2. Certain requirements. That the requirements of sections 424 , 430 , 453 and 454 have been complied with; and [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

3. Citations. That in the case of: A. A citation for failure to comply with a subpoena, the requirements of section 423 have been complied with; [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).] B. A citation for failure to testify in response to a request for the witness's testimony challenged as not pertinent to the subject matter and scope of the investigation, the requirements of sections 412 and 453 have been complied with and the request was pertinent as explained; [PL 2019, c. 475, §30 (AMD).] C. A citation for failure to testify in response to a request for the witness's testimony on grounds of privilege, the requirements of section 457 have been complied with. [PL 2019, c. 475, §30 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 475, §30 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 316 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 316
3 §316. Registration forms
Status: in_force

The commission shall prepare and make available registration forms for the registration of lobbyists and employers required to register pursuant to section 313 . These forms must include the following information: [PL 1993, c. 691, §16 (RPR).]

1. Names. The name of the lobbyist, a list of the lobbyist associates, the name of the person authorized by the lobbyist to sign the registration and reports for the lobbyist and the name of the person employing the lobbyist; [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §13 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §20 (AFF).]

2. Business addresses. The business address and other contact information for the lobbyist, the lobbyist associates and the person employing the lobbyist; [PL 2007, c. 630, §12 (AMD).]

3. Date. The date upon which lobbying commenced and the date on which the lobbyist exceeded 8 hours of lobbying in a calendar month or a statement that the lobbyist is registering without having reached the 8-hour threshold for registering pursuant to section 313 ; [PL 2019, c. 587, §9 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 587, §18 (AFF).]

4. Nature of business. A description of the employer's business activity or mission or a description of the industry, trade or profession that the employer represents; [PL 2007, c. 630, §12 (AMD).]

4-A. Legislative interests. The general areas of legislation that the employer is attempting to influence; [PL 2007, c. 630, §12 (NEW).]

4-B. Legislative committees. The joint standing committees of the Legislature that the lobbyist expects to lobby during the year; [PL 2007, c. 630, §12 (NEW).]

4-C. Website of employer. The address for the employer's publicly accessible website; [PL 2017, c. 443, §3 (AMD).]

4-D. Date of completion or request for extension of or exemption from required harassment training. The date that the lobbyist and each lobbyist associate completed the training required under section 170‑B or, if the lobbyist or lobbyist associate has not completed the required training, a statement that the lobbyist or lobbyist associate has requested or is requesting an extension or exemption pursuant to section 312‑B ; and [PL 2019, c. 587, §10 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 587, §18 (AFF).]

5. Compensation. The amount of compensation that the lobbyist will receive for that lobbyist's services or, if an exact amount is unascertainable, the basis upon which the lobbyist will charge for those services. [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §13 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §20 (AFF).]

The lobbyist must certify that the information on that form is true, correct and complete and that the employer has approved the information in the registration. [PL 2007, c. 630, §12 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 21-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 21-A
3 §21-A. President of Senate; term limitation
Status: in_force

A person may not serve as President of the Senate for more than 3 consecutive legislative bienniums. Service in that capacity before December 2, 1992 is not included in the calculation of years served. [PL 1993, c. 403, §1 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 403, §3 (AFF).]
3 M.R.S. § 901-B — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 901-B
3 §901-B. Director, State House and Capitol Park Commission
Status: in_force

The Legislative Council shall appoint the Director of the State House and Capitol Park Commission who shall serve at the pleasure of the Legislative Council. [PL 1989, c. 410, §9 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 856 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 856
3 §856. Accidental death benefits
Status: in_force

If a member or a former member who is receiving a disability retirement allowance dies as a result of an injury received in the line of duty, benefits must be paid on the same basis as provided for members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, chapter 423, subchapter 5, article 5 . [PL 2007, c. 491, §29 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 804 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 804
3 §804. Members' contributions
Status: in_force

On and after July 1, 1993, each member shall contribute at a rate of 7.65% of earnable compensation. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. L, §3 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 904 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 904
3 §904. Report to the Legislature and the Governor
Status: in_force

The commission shall report biennially to the Legislative Council and the Governor facts and recommendations relating to the work and needs of the commission. The commission shall list all activities and projects initiated, completed or proposed during the next biennium which concern the preservation and development of the aesthetic and historical integrity of the State Capitol Building. [PL 1987, c. 816, Pt. EE, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 314 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 314
3 §314. Duration of registration
Status: in_force

Each joint registration filed pursuant to this chapter automatically expires on the last day of the year during which the person was registered to lobby, unless as otherwise provided. [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §11 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §20 (AFF).]

A joint registration expires if the lobbyist or employer notifies the commission in writing that the lobbyist is no longer engaged by the employer to lobby. If termination occurs prior to November 30th, the notification must be given within 30 days of the termination. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]

If termination is effected prior to November 30th, no further reports are required. [PL 2011, c. 179, §1 (AMD).]

Any new registration must be filed pursuant to section 313 before any lobbying is commenced after the lobbyist's employment has been terminated. [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §11 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. A, §20 (AFF).]
3 M.R.S. § 755 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 755
3 §755. Legislative findings and intent
Status: in_force

1. Findings. The Legislature finds that the State owes a great debt to its retired Legislators for their years of faithful and productive service. Part of that debt is repaid by the benefits provided to Legislators through the Legislative Retirement Program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §17 (AMD).]

2. Intent. It is the intent of the Legislature that there be appropriated and transferred annually to the Legislative Retirement Program the funds necessary to meet the program's long-term and short-term financial obligations based on the actuarial assumptions established by the board of trustees upon the advice of the actuary. The goal of the actuarial assumptions is to achieve a fully funded program. The program's unfunded liability must be funded by annual appropriations over the funding period of the program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §17 (AMD).]

3. Implementation. It is the responsibility of the board of trustees to calculate the funds necessary to maintain the program on an actuarially sound basis, including the unfunded liability arising from payment of benefits for which contributions were not received and to transmit those calculations to the State Budget Officer as required by Title 5, sections 1661 to 1667 . It is the responsibility of the Legislature to appropriate and transfer those funds annually. [PL 2007, c. 491, §17 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 228 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 228
3 §228. Duties; meetings
Status: in_force

The commission shall advise the director in the carrying out of the director's powers and duties, shall assist the director in encouraging increased cooperation between Maine and Canada and especially between the Legislature of Maine and the legislative bodies of Canada and shall assist the director in encouraging economic, cultural and educational exchanges between Maine and the Canadian Provinces. The commission shall meet at least 4 times in each year with the director and at such other times on the call of the chair, at the request of the director or at the request of any member, as necessary to carry out the duties outlined in this section. [PL 2019, c. 475, §23 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 523 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 24 / Section 523
3 §523. Reports of agencies to the Legislature
Status: in_force

No later than 6 months prior to the date that bonds approved by the electorate become deauthorized pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 14, the department or agency of State Government which has use of the bond proceeds shall report out, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the bonds, a resolve to approve the issue of the authorized but unissued bonds. In addition, this agency or department shall provide the following information: [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

1. Total bond issue authorized. The total amount of bonds and the date the bonds were approved by the electorate; [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

2. Total bonds issued. The total amount of bonds issued, if any, as of the reporting date; [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

3. Use of bond proceeds. The use of the proceeds of the issued bonds, if any; [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

4. Planned use of unissued bonds. The planned use, amount and expected date of issue of the authorized but unissued bonds; [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

5. Effect of deauthorization. The effects of deauthorization of the unissued bonds; and [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]

6. Any other significant information. Any other information deemed significant by the reporting agency or department for the decision of the Legislature. [PL 1983, c. 737, §§ 1, 2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 430 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 430
3 §430. Request for court to compel obedience
Status: in_force

The decision to apply to the Superior Court to compel obedience to a subpoena issued by the committee shall be by investigating committee action. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 992 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 37 / Section 992
3 §992. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

1. Committee. "Committee" means a joint legislative committee established to oversee program evaluation and government accountability matters. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

2. Director. "Director" means the Director of the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

3. Office. "Office" means the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability established in section 991 . [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

4. Other entity. "Other entity" means any public or private entity in this State that may be subject to program evaluation under this chapter as the result of its receipt or expenditure of public funds. "Other entity" may include local and county governments, quasi-municipal governments, special districts, utility districts, regional development agencies or any municipal or nonprofit corporation. [PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. GGGG, §2 (AMD).]

4-A. Policy committee. "Policy committee" means the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over taxation matters. [PL 2015, c. 344, §1 (NEW).]

5. Program evaluation. "Program evaluation" means an examination of any government program that includes performance audits, management analysis, inspections, operations, research or examinations of efficiency, effectiveness or economy or the evaluation of any tax expenditure required under this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 344, §2 (AMD).]

5-A. Qualified auditor. "Qualified auditor" means an auditor who meets the education and experience requirements of the Office of State Auditor as defined in Title 5, section 241 . [PL 2003, c. 463, §2 (NEW).]

6. State agency. "State agency" means each state board, commission, department, program, office or institution, educational or otherwise, of this State. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]

6-A. Statistic. "Statistic" means a numerical value computed from a set of data. "Statistic" includes, but is not limited to, a sum, mean, median, maximum, minimum, range and variance. [PL 2015, c. 344, §3 (NEW).]

6-B. Tax expenditure. "Tax expenditure" has the same meaning as under Title 5, section 1666 . [PL 2015, c. 344, §3 (NEW).]

7. Working paper. "Working paper" means all documentary and other information acquired, prepared or maintained by the office during the conduct of a program evaluation, including all intra-agency and interagency communications relating to a program evaluation and includes electronic messages and draft reports or any portion of a draft report. [PL 2001, c. 702, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 702 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 702
3 §702. Name, establishment and purpose
Status: in_force

There is established the Legislative Retirement Program as a governmental qualified defined benefit plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and such other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and United States Treasury regulations and other guidance as are applicable, which has the powers and privileges of a corporation. [PL 2009, c. 474, §2 (AMD).]

The purpose of the Legislative Retirement Program is to provide retirement allowances and other benefits under this chapter for Legislators. [PL 2007, c. 491, §5 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 963 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 963
3 §963. Review
Status: in_force

The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters shall review the provisions and effects of this chapter no later than March 30, 2032 and at least once every 10 years thereafter. The committee may report out legislation during the session of the Legislature in which a review under this section is completed. [PL 2021, c. 617, §2 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 732 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 732
3 §732. Executive director
Status: in_force

The Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System is the Executive Director of the Legislative Retirement Program. The executive director has the same powers and duties with respect to the Legislative Retirement Program as with other programs of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, except as provided in this chapter. [PL 2007, c. 491, §10 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV).]
3 M.R.S. § 154 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 154
3 §154. Nominations
Status: in_force

The Governor shall, within 20 days after the convening of each legislative session, provide to each joint standing committee of the Legislature a list of all positions for which legislative confirmation is required that are within each committee's jurisdiction and that are vacant or have terms expiring before the convening of the next regular session of the Legislature. The chairs of each joint standing committee and the Governor, or their designees, shall negotiate in good faith to establish a schedule for nominations and consideration of nominations during the session. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

When nominating a person to a position for which confirmation is required, the Governor shall post the nomination and simultaneously deliver to both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives notification of the name of the nominee, the office to which that person is nominated and an information packet, which must include the background information and questionnaire provided to the Office of the Governor by the nominee and may include other information the Governor determines appropriate. The date of the posting and notice is referred to in this chapter as the "posting date." [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

When the nomination is received, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall provide notice of the nomination and copies of accompanying materials to the chairs of the appropriate joint standing committee, to the Legislative Information Office and to the partisan staff assistants designated by the majority and minority parties of the Legislature. The Legislative Information Office shall establish an official file for each nominee, which is subject to the provisions of section 159 . The file must include the information submitted by the Governor pursuant to this section. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

The Governor may withdraw a nomination at any time before the Senate votes pursuant to section 158 by sending a written notice of withdrawal to the President of the Senate. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, if the Governor posts a nomination within 30 days preceding the statutory date of adjournment, a legislative committee to whom a nominee is to be referred for confirmation review may, by 2/3 vote, request the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to delay this review in order to complete the committee's legislative work. If the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives approve the request, the time periods for legislative action under this chapter begin on the date the Legislature adjourns. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 159 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 159
3 §159. Confidentiality of records
Status: in_force

Records filed with the Legislative Information Office pursuant to this chapter are public records upon filing and are subject to public review pursuant to Title 1, chapter 13 . [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

All documents prepared for or reviewed in the prehearing conference become public records pursuant to Title 1, chapter 13 at the conclusion of the conference unless 2/3 of the committee votes to seal one or more documents. If a document is sealed, it is exempt from public disclosure. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]

At the close of each legislative session, the Legislative Information Office shall review each official file, removing each sealed document and replacing it with an information sheet generally identifying the sealed document and noting its removal. The Legislative Information Office shall forward the file to the State Archives. The sealed documents must be destroyed. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 231 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 10 / Section 231
3 §231. Commission
Status: in_force

1. Commission. The New England and Eastern Canada Legislative Commission, as established by Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 11 , and in this chapter called "the commission," consists of 8 members from Maine, together with the same number of members appointed according to the laws of each of the other member jurisdictions. [PL 2023, c. 415, §2 (AMD).]

2. Membership. The members of the commission from Maine are the 4 Senators and the 4 members of the House of Representatives who are appointed to the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission pursuant to section 227 . [PL 2023, c. 415, §3 (AMD).]

3. Term. Each member of the commission from Maine holds office from the date of that member's appointment until the term of that member's election to the Legislature expires. [PL 2019, c. 475, §24 (AMD).]

4. Compensation. Members of the commission from Maine are compensated in accordance with Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2019, c. 475, §24 (AMD).]

5. Chairs. The members of the commission from Maine shall, by majority vote, select the cochairs or chairs who shall, together with a cochair selected by the members of the commission from the other member jurisdictions, preside over the commission. [PL 2019, c. 475, §24 (AMD).]

6. Meetings. The commission shall meet at such times and places as are mutually agreed upon by the cochairs. [PL 2019, c. 475, §24 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 1 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 1
3 §1. Certified rolls of members elect
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall, on or before the day preceding the meeting of the Legislature, furnish to the Secretary of the preceding Senate a certified roll, under the seal of the State, of the names and residences of Senators-elect, according to the report of the Governor, and to the Clerk of the preceding House of Representatives a certified roll, under the seal of the State, of the names and residences of the Representatives-elect, according to the report of the Governor, and shall report the vacancies if any exist. [PL 1975, c. 771, §9 (AMD).]

The Tribal Clerk of the Penobscot Indian Nation shall, on or before the day preceding the meeting of the Legislature, furnish to the Clerk of the preceding House of Representatives a certification, under the seal of the Nation, of the name and residence of the Representative-elect of the Penobscot Indian Nation to the Legislature. The Tribal Clerk of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of the reservation from which the Representative-elect of that tribe has been chosen shall, on or before the day preceding the meeting of the Legislature, furnish the Clerk of the preceding House of Representatives a certification of the name and residence of the Representative-elect of the Passamaquoddy Tribe to the Legislature. Beginning with the 126th Legislature, the Tribal Clerk of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians shall, on or before the day preceding the meeting of the Legislature, furnish to the Clerk of the preceding House of Representatives a certification of the name and residence of the Representative-elect of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to the Legislature. [PL 2009, c. 636, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 805-B — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 805-B
3 §805-B. Inactive accounts
Status: in_force

1. Conditions for refund. The retirement system may make an automatic refund of contributions to a member who has not properly applied for a refund as provided in section 805-A and who has terminated service, except by death or by retirement under this chapter, and who has not met the minimum creditable service requirement for eligibility to receive a service retirement benefit at the applicable age under the following conditions: A. The member account in the retirement system has been inactive for 3 or more years; [PL 2007, c. 137, §4 (NEW).] B. Only accumulated contributions made by the member or picked up by the employer may be refunded to that member under this subsection; and [PL 2007, c. 137, §4 (NEW).] C. A member who receives an automatic refund under this subsection may, within 30 days of the issuance of the refund, return the full refunded amount to the retirement system. Upon receipt, the retirement system shall restore the accumulated contributions to the member's credit. [PL 2007, c. 137, §4 (NEW).] Pursuant to the Code, Section 401(a)(31)(B), the amount of an automatic refund under this section may not exceed $1,000. [PL 2009, c. 474, §5 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 860 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 860
3 §860. Divorce
Status: in_force

If a retiree who is the recipient of a reduced service retirement allowance under section 857 is granted a divorce either after retirement or before a retirement beneficiary is named, the provisions of Title 5, section 17805-A apply on the same basis as for members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §33 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 902 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 902
3 §902. Duties of the commission
Status: in_force

1. Plan. The commission, with the assistance of the Executive Director of the Legislative Council, shall develop and commend a plan for the preservation and development of the aesthetic and historical integrity of the State House and the grounds specified in section 902‑A, subsection 2 . By April 1, 1990, the commission shall submit an interim report indicating its progress on the plan to the Legislative Council and the Governor. Upon receipt of the commission's completed plan, the Legislative Council may submit the plan to the Legislature for adoption and enactment as the official state plan for the preservation and development of the aesthetic and historical integrity of the State House. From time to time the commission may submit additional amendments for inclusion in the plan which may be submitted to the Legislative Council for adoption and enactment by the Legislature. [PL 2003, c. 316, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Living memorial garden. The commission shall arrange for and oversee the development and maintenance of a living memorial garden in Capitol Park, the design of which must be consistent with the plan for the garden and double rows of trees developed for the commission in 2002 by Pressley Associates, Inc. Development of the living memorial garden is subject to available funding. The commission may seek and accept funds from private and public sources, including the Percent for Art Program, for the development and maintenance of the garden. [PL 2003, c. 316, §2 (NEW).]

1-B. Edible landscaping, food forests and community gardens. The commission shall arrange for and oversee the development and implementation of a plan to incorporate food-producing plants, shrubs or trees into the landscaping of Capitol Park. Edible landscaping must be consistent with the plan for the park under section 902‑A, subsection 2 and is subject to available funding for the park. The commission may seek and accept money and food-producing seeds, plants, shrubs or trees from public and private sources for the development and maintenance of edible landscaping throughout Capitol Park and may collaborate with local, state or regional public or private entities with expertise in the design and maintenance of permaculture, edible landscaping, food forests or community gardens. For the purposes of this subsection, "food forest" has the same meaning as in Title 7, section 292, subsection 1 and "permaculture" has the same meaning as in Title 7, section 292, subsection 2 . [PL 2025, c. 309, §1 (AMD).]

1-C. Gold star family memorial. Notwithstanding section 902‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B , the commission may arrange for and oversee the development and installation of a monument honoring gold star families. [PL 2017, c. 469, §1 (NEW).]

1-D. Monument to victims of and first responders to COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding section 902‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B , the commission may arrange for and oversee the development and installation of a monument on the exterior grounds of the State House honoring the victims of and first responders to the pandemic related to coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19. [PL 2021, c. 475, §1 (NEW).]

1-E. Wabanaki veterans memorial. Notwithstanding section 902‑A, subsection 2, paragraph B , the commission shall arrange for and oversee the development and implementation of a memorial in a portion of Capitol Park to honor the Wabanaki's defense and protection of their homelands and their service in the United States Armed Forces. The memorial is subject to available funding for the park. [PL 2023, c. 606, §1 (NEW).]

2. Research; publication. The commission shall conduct research into the history of the State House, the results of which will guide the commission and the Legislative Council in the preservation and development of the building's aesthetic and historical integrity. The commission shall publish and distribute this research to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the State House. [PL 1989, c. 410, §10 (RPR).]

3. Contracts. The commission may make recommendations to the Legislative Council to enter into contracts with individuals or organizations and institutions for services to further the objectives of this chapter, including architectural, aesthetic and decorative additions or changes, in conformance with the plan adopted by the Legislative Council. [PL 1989, c. 410, §10 (RPR).]

4. Research; publication. [PL 1989, c. 410, §10 (RP).]
3 M.R.S. § 319 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 319
3 §319. Penalty
Status: in_force

1. Failure to file registration or report. Any person who fails to file a registration or report as required by this chapter is subject to a civil penalty, payable to the commission, of $100 for every month the person fails to register or is delinquent in filing a report pursuant to section 317 . If a registration or report is filed late, the commission shall send a notice of the finding of violation and preliminary penalty. The notice must provide the lobbyist with an opportunity to request a waiver of the preliminary penalty. If a lobbyist files a report required pursuant to section 317 within 24 hours after the deadline, the amount of the preliminary penalty is $50. The preliminary penalty is increased by $50 for each successive violation during a lobbying year. The commission may waive the penalty in whole or in part if the commission determines the failure to register or report was due to mitigating circumstances or the penalty is disproportionate to the level of experience of the lobbyist or the harm suffered by the public from the late registration or report. For purposes of this subsection, "mitigating circumstances" means: A. A valid emergency determined by the commission, in the interest of the sound administration of justice, to warrant the waiver of the penalty in whole or in part; [PL 2023, c. 324, §3 (AMD).] B. An error by the commission; or [PL 2011, c. 179, §7 (NEW).] C. Circumstances determined by the commission to warrant the waiver of the penalty in whole or in part, based upon relevant evidence presented that a bona fide effort was made to file the report in accordance with this chapter, including, but not limited to, unexplained delays in Internet service. [PL 2023, c. 324, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 324, §3 (AMD).]

1-A. Notice of suspension. Any person who fails to file a report or pay a fee as required by this chapter may be suspended from further lobbying by written notice of the commission until such failure is corrected. [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. B, §12 (AMD).]

2. Class E crime. [PL 1979, c. 632, §3 (RP).]

3. Exemption. Notwithstanding section 317, subsection 1 , a registered lobbyist is exempt from the penalty imposed under this section if, while the Legislature is convened in special session, the lobbyist failed to file a report with the commission pursuant to section 317 if no lobbying has been performed during that special session. [PL 1993, c. 446, Pt. B, §13 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 902-A — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 31 / Section 902-A
3 §902-A. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The Legislative Council shall have jurisdiction over: [PL 1989, c. 410, §11 (NEW).]

1. State House. The entire exterior and interior of the State House; and [PL 1989, c. 410, §11 (NEW).]

2. Immediate grounds. The immediate grounds, including Capitol Park, the area bounded on the east by the Kennebec River, on the north by Capitol Street, on the south by Union Street and on the west by State Street, except that the private office of the Governor, at the Governor's discretion, is exempt from this chapter. A. To ensure that the portion of Capitol Park that is controlled by the City of Augusta remains integrated with the portion of Capitol Park that is controlled by the State, the commission may, in consultation with the City of Augusta, plan for the preservation and development of a unified park area. [PL 1989, c. 410, §11 (NEW).] B. Any action taken with respect to Capitol Park must be consistent with the plan for Capitol Park developed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in 1920 as revised by the Pressley firm in 1990. [PL 2001, c. 468, §2 (NEW).] The Bureau of General Services may make no architectural, aesthetic or decorative addition, deletion or change to any external or internal part of the State House or its immediate grounds under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Council unless the council has approved the change in writing in conformance with the plan adopted by the council. The Governor must be notified before the council votes on any change. The commission may make recommendations to the council in regard to any proposed architectural, aesthetic or decorative addition, deletion or change to the internal or external part of the State House. [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 428 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 428
3 §428. Records
Status: in_force

A complete record shall be kept of all investigating committee action, including a transcript of all testimony taken. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 163 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 163
3 §163. Executive Director of the Legislative Council; duties
Status: in_force

The duties of the Executive Director of the Legislative Council are: [PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. QQQ, §1 (AMD).]

1. Executive officers. To act as executive officer of the Legislature when it is not in session and unless the Legislature otherwise orders, the Executive Director shall, with the cooperation of the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives have custody of all legislative property and material, arrange for necessary supplies and equipment through the Office of Procurement Services, arrange for necessary services, make all arrangements for incoming sessions of the Legislature, have general oversight of chambers and rooms occupied by the Legislature and permit state departments to use legislative property. The Executive Director may sell, in accordance with procedures established by the Legislative Council, unneeded legislative equipment and materials and, with the approval of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, dispose of obsolete or unusable equipment and materials through the Bureau of General Services' surplus property program. Proceeds from the sale of unneeded equipment and materials must be credited to the legislative account. The Executive Director has the authority to enter into contracts authorized by the Legislative Council and shall approve accounts and vouchers for payment. A perpetual inventory of all legislative property must be maintained under the supervision of the Legislative Council and an accounting of the inventory must be made to the Legislature upon its request. [PL 2023, c. 516, Pt. B, §4 (AMD).]

2. Supervision. To coordinate, direct and oversee, subject to the control of the Legislative Council, the activities of the nonpartisan legislative staff offices and to direct and supervise the administrative functions of legislative staff offices in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Legislative Council. The Executive Director does not have any supervisory authority with respect to any persons employed pursuant to chapter 1 or section 168 ; [PL 2015, c. 102, §4 (AMD).]

2-A. Appointment of nonpartisan legislative staff. To appoint, upon recommendation of the appropriate office director and subject to the approval of the Legislative Council and in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the council, qualified persons to nonpartisan legislative staff positions based solely on their ability to perform their duties and without regard to party affiliation. The general duties and compensation of these positions must be established under the direction of the council and in accordance with organizational and performance objectives established by the council. These nonpartisan legislative staff positions are unclassified and not subject to the civil service law. [PL 2015, c. 102, §5 (AMD).]

3. Vehicle for requests. To act as a vehicle through which the several agencies, departments and offices of the Legislature may report to the council their budget requests, personnel and supply requirements and to assist the council in the orderly disposition of these requests. [PL 1973, c. 590, §5 (RPR).]

4. Policy implementation. To be responsible for implementing policy resulting from decisions of the council. [PL 1973, c. 590, §5 (RPR).]

5. Reports. To prepare such reports as are required of the council and maintain minutes of the regular meetings of the council. [PL 1983, c. 590, §5 (RPR).]

6. Staff assistants. [PL 1983, c. 2, §3 (RP).]

7. Other duties. To undertake such other duties as are assigned by the council. [PL 1973, c. 590, §5 (RPR).]
3 M.R.S. § 957 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 957
3 §957. Committee analysis and recommendations; authority
Status: in_force

For each agency or independent agency or a component part of each agency or independent agency subject to review pursuant to section 952 , the committee of jurisdiction may conduct an analysis and evaluation that may include, but need not be limited to, an evaluation of the program evaluation report submitted pursuant to section 956, subsection 1 , including: [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (NEW).]

1. Statutory authority. The extent to which the agency or independent agency operates in accordance with its statutory authority; [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (RPR).]

2. Goals and objectives. The degree of success in meeting the agency's or independent agency's goals and objectives for each program, including population served; [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (NEW).]

3. Statutory and administrative mandates. The degree of success achieved by the agency or independent agency in meeting its statutory and administrative mandates; and [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (NEW).]

4. Filing requirements. The extent to which the agency or independent agency has increased or reduced filing requirements and paperwork duplication burdens on the public. [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (NEW).]

In consultation with the Legislative Council, the committee of jurisdiction shall select agencies or independent agencies for review either in accordance with the scheduling guidelines provided in this chapter or at any time determined necessary by the committee. [PL 2013, c. 307, §8 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 751 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 751
3 §751. Control of funds
Status: in_force

The board of trustees is the trustee of the funds created by this chapter and shall administer those funds in the same manner as is provided for the administration of other program funds of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System in accordance with Title 5, chapter 421, subchapters 3 and 4 . The board of trustees may establish separate funds or accounts within a fund, as necessary. [PL 2007, c. 491, §15 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 458 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 458
3 §458. Rights of interested parties
Status: in_force

Any interested party may request an opportunity to appear before the investigating committee. The decision on this request shall be investigating committee action. If such request is granted, the interested party shall appear before the committee as a witness. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 413 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 413
3 §413. Number of members
Status: in_force

No investigating committee shall consist of fewer than 3 members. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 801 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 801
3 §801. Membership
Status: in_force

1. Membership mandatory. Every Legislator serving in the Legislature on or after December 3, 1986 is a member of the Legislative Retirement Program, except that any Legislator who was a member of the Maine State Retirement System on December 2, 1986 may choose to be a member of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program instead of becoming a member of the Legislative Retirement Program, and any Legislator who is a public school teacher or an employee of the Maine Community College System on leave of absence for the purpose of serving in the Legislature continues to be a member of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program and to have contributions deducted from the member's legislative earnable compensation as provided by Title 5, section 17701 . A Legislator who terminates employment from a position requiring membership in the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program no longer contributes to the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program and, if qualified, is eligible to become a benefit recipient under Title 5, section 17804 . Upon such termination, the Legislator becomes a member of the Legislative Retirement Program. Except as provided in section 802, subsection 4, paragraph A , creditable service granted under the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program may not be transferred to the Legislative Retirement Program. A member ceases to be a member when the member withdraws the member's contributions, becomes a beneficiary as a result of the member's own retirement or dies. [PL 2007, c. 491, §18 (AMD).]

1-A. Waiver provision. Any Legislator may petition the presiding officer for a waiver from the membership provisions of subsection 1 if it can be demonstrated that membership in the Legislative Retirement Program will create or exacerbate a Legislator's federal income tax liability due to the ownership of another retirement plan. The Office of the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall provide assistance as requested by the Legislator or presiding officer. The presiding officer shall respond to the Legislator's petition within 30 days and shall provide copies of the decision to the Executive Director of the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. A granted waiver of membership constitutes a one-time irrevocable election with respect to all subsequent employment with the same employer when membership in the Legislative Retirement Program is not mandatory. [PL 2009, c. 474, §4 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 548, §45 (REV).]

2. Reports from Executive Director of the Legislative Council. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall submit to the board of trustees a statement showing the name, title, compensation, sex, date of birth and length of service of each member and any other information as the board of trustees may require at such times as the board of trustees may require. [PL 2007, c. 491, §18 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 972 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 36 / Section 972
3 §972. Direction from committees of jurisdiction
Status: in_force

On or before February 1st of any first regular session of the Legislature, a committee of jurisdiction may direct an agency in writing to undertake a retrospective review of one or more rules under the jurisdiction of the committee. [PL 2011, c. 304, Pt. L, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 161 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 161
3 §161. Legislative Council
Status: in_force

1. Establishment; membership. The Legislative Council, consisting of 10 members, 5 of whom are members of the Senate and 5 of whom are members of the House of Representatives, is established. The members of the Legislative Council are: A. The President of the Senate; [PL 2015, c. 102, §1 (NEW).] B. The Speaker of the House of Representatives; and [PL 2015, c. 102, §1 (NEW).] C. The majority and minority leaders and assistant leaders of the 2 political parties with the greatest number of members in each body. [PL 2015, c. 102, §1 (NEW).] Only a person who holds an office specified in paragraph A , B or C may be a member of the Legislative Council and is a member only during the term of the Legislature in which that office is held. The Legislative Council shall elect a chair from within its own membership. The Legislative Council shall exercise such powers and duties as may be delegated by law or by rule of the Legislature. Any action by the Legislative Council requires the affirmative votes of a majority of the members. The Legislative Council shall meet at least once monthly when the Legislature is not in session, unless the chair determines that a meeting is not necessary, and at such other times as the membership or the chair determines necessary. [PL 2015, c. 102, §1 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 855 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 855
3 §855. Ordinary death benefits
Status: in_force

If a member who is in service or a former member who is a recipient of a disability retirement allowance dies, the member's beneficiary, or relative if no designated beneficiary, is entitled to benefits on the same basis as provided for beneficiaries of state employees who are members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, chapter 423, subchapter 5, article 4 . [PL 2007, c. 491, §28 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 553 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 25 / Section 553
3 §553. Lapse of unused General Fund bond issues
Status: in_force

All General Fund bond issues passed by the Legislature for presentation to the voters shall contain language which stipulates that bond proceeds which have not been expended 10 years after the date of the sale of the bonds shall lapse to General Fund debt service. [PL 1983, c. 176, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 168 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 7 / Section 168
3 §168. Staff assistants to legislative leadership
Status: in_force

The President of the Senate, the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders of the House of Representatives each have the authority to appoint, at each legislative leader's discretion, a personal staff assistant, or more than one assistant if their aggregate salary does not exceed that of the single personal staff assistant, when the Legislature is in session and at such other times as might be necessary, with the approval of the Legislative Council. [PL 2019, c. 475, §20 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 312-B — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 312-B
3 §312-B. Required training regarding harassment
Status: in_force

A lobbyist or lobbyist associate shall complete the training required under section 170‑B , retain proof of completion of the training for 2 years following completion and certify completion of that training to the commission at the time of registration under section 313 . If completion of the required training prior to registration is not possible due to circumstances that are beyond a lobbyist's or lobbyist associate's control, the commission may provide a limited extension to that lobbyist or lobbyist associate for completion of the training. If a lobbyist or lobbyist associate has a very limited physical presence in the State House and the Burton M. Cross Building, the commission may exempt the lobbyist or lobbyist associate from the requirements of this section. [PL 2019, c. 587, §6 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 587, §18 (AFF).]
3 M.R.S. § 958 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 35 / Section 958
3 §958. Termination of independent agencies
Status: in_force

1. Termination process. The committee of jurisdiction may recommend to the Legislature that any independent agency be terminated if indicated or warranted by the committee's review, analysis and evaluation of the independent agency. An independent agency may be accorded a grace period of not more than one year from the effective date of the legislation approving termination in which to complete its business. During the grace period, the statutory powers and duties of the independent agency are not limited or reduced. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

2. Disposition of property, funds and records. During the grace period, the Legislature shall determine the disposition of: A. All property, including any land, buildings, equipment and supplies used by the independent agency; [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).] B. All funds remaining in any account of the independent agency; and [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).] C. All records resulting from the activities of the independent agency. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]

3. Expiration of grace period. Upon the expiration of the grace period, the independent agency shall cease its activities and terminate. [PL 1995, c. 488, §2 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 318 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 15 / Section 318
3 §318. Restricted activities
Status: in_force

1. Contingent compensation. No person shall accept employment as a lobbyist on a basis which makes that person's compensation contingent in any manner upon the outcome of any legislative action. [PL 1975, c. 724 (NEW).]

2. Instigation of legislative action. No person shall instigate the introduction or commencement of any legislative action for the purpose of obtaining employment as a lobbyist to oppose or support such legislative action. [PL 1975, c. 724 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 153 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 6 / Section 153
3 §153. Scope
Status: in_force

The nomination and confirmation of all judicial officers whose confirmation by the Legislature is required by the Constitution of Maine and the nomination and confirmation of all other officers whose confirmation by the Legislature is required by law are governed by the provisions of this chapter. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 474 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 474
3 §474. Saving clause
Status: in_force

A decision by a witness to make use of any protection or remedy afforded by any provision of these rules does not constitute a waiver by the witness of the right to make use of any other protection or remedy. [PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 471 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 21 / Section 471
3 §471. Legislative responsibility
Status: in_force

The Legislature has primary responsibility for insuring adherence to these rules. [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]
3 M.R.S. § 241 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 11 / Section 241
3 §241. Organization and duties
Status: in_force

The Commission on Uniform State Laws, as established by Title 5, section 12004-K, subsection 8 , shall consist of 3 members to be appointed for a term of 4 years by the Governor. The commission shall also consist of any residents who, because of long service in the cause of state legislation, are elected life members of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. The commission shall examine subjects on which uniformity of legislation in the different states is desirable; ascertain the best means to effect uniformity; cooperate with the commissioners of other states in the consideration and drafting of uniform acts for submission to the Legislatures of the several states; and prepare bills for introduction in the Legislature. [PL 1989, c. 503, Pt. B, §5 (AMD).]

Each commissioner shall be compensated as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 1983, c. 812, §6 (AMD).]
3 M.R.S. § 43 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 1 / Section 43
3 §43. Records; amendments
Status: in_force

The Clerk or Assistant Clerk of any House of Representatives shall amend, according to the fact, the journal of said House of Representatives, whenever empowered or required by authority of the same, or of any subsequent house.
3 M.R.S. § 122 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 5 / Section 122
3 §122. Notice of petitions affecting town or county
Status: in_force

Notice of any petition affecting the rights or interests of any town or county may be given to such town by serving it with a true copy of the petition at least 14 days before the session, and to such county by publishing as prescribed in section 121 .
3 M.R.S. § 753 — ME Code / Title 3 / Chapter 29 / Section 753
3 §753. Expenses
Status: in_force

All administrative operating expenses of the Legislative Retirement Program must be charged to the assets of the Legislative Retirement Program. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).]

1. Estimate funds biennially. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. U, §1 (RP).]

2. Balance. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. U, §1 (RP).]