pem207/maine-bills huggingface dataset:
An Act To Establish New Standards for Credit Reporting LR0725(02)
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0556
Committee Amendment CA_A_H117 (House)
Amends: 10 MRSA §1315, 10 MRSA §1316

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,.fI" to H.P. 419, L.D. 556, 
Act To Establish New Standards for Credit Reporting" 
Bill, "An 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting 
clause and before the summary and inserting in its place the 
following: 
'Sec. 1. 10 MRSA §1315, sub-§I, 1lD is enacted to read: 
D. 
The procedures adopted by the consumer reporting agency 
pursuant to section 1317 to enable a consumer to correct any 
inaccurate information contained in that consumer's consumer 
report. 
Sec. 2. 10 MRSA §1316, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 
140, §2, is repealed. 
Sec.3. 10 MRSA §1316, sub-§2-B is enacted to read: 
2-B. 
Fees 
for 
disc1osures. 
Notwithstanding 
any 
other 
prov~s~on of this chapter, a consumer reporting agency may not 
impose a fee for a consumer report provided to a consumer upon 
request once during any 12-month period. 
For a 2nd or subsequent 
report made during a 12-month period. a consumer reporting agency 
may charge a consumer a fee not to exceed $5.' 
Page l-LR0725(2) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" fl to H.P. 419, L.D. 556 
SUMMARY 
This 
amendment 
replaces 
the bill. 
Like 
the bill, 
the 
amendment 
requires 
that 
consumer 
reporting 
agencies 
clearly 
disclose to consumers their procedures to enable a consumer to 
correct inaccurate information contained in a credit report. 
The 
amendment also gives consumers the right to request a free copy 
of their credit report once during a 12-month period. The cost of 
additional copies may not exceed $5 per copy. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 04/03/03 wac:.. 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD556 
An Act To Establish New Standards for Credit Reporting 
LR0725(02) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment" " 
Sponsor: Rep. Laverriere-Boucher of Biddeford 
Committee: Insurance and Financial Services 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds 
LR0725(2) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
Resolve, To Increase the Amount of Emergency Assistance A vailable to Families
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0557
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: LA VERRIERE-BOUCHER, LUNDEEN, THOMPSON

Legislative Document 
No. 557 
H.P.420 
House of Representatives, February 6, 2003 
Resolve, To Increase the Amount of Emergency Assistance 
A vailable to Families 
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. 
71/~ 
/J7.7I/oc~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative LA VERRIERE-BOUCHER of Biddeford. 
Cosponsored by Representatives: LUNDEEN of Mars Hill, THOMPSON of China. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Sec. 1. Increase emergency assistance. Resolved: 
That by January 
1, 2004 the Department of Human Services shall adopt rules to 
increase to $400 a year the amount of money that is allowed to 
needy families with children under the department' s program of 
emergency assistance provided in the 
Maine 
Revised Statutes, 
Title 22, 
section 3761. 
The rules adopted pursuant to this 
section are 
routine technical 
rules 
as 
defined in Title 
5, 
chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
SUMMARY 
This bill directs 
the 
Department 
of 
Human 
Services 
to 
establish rules to increase to $400 a year the amount of money 
that is allowed to needy families with children under its program 
of emergency assistance. 
Page l-LR0736 (1)
Resolve, To
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0558
Committee Amendment CA_A_H293 (House)
Committee: Health and Human Services of any rule that is proposed pursuant to this resolve

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,,/I. to H.P. 421. L.D. 
Enhance Services to Children and Families" 
558, "Resolve, To 
Amend the resolve by striking out everything after the title 
and before the summary and inserting in its place the following: 
, 'Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts 
Legislature 
do 
not 
become 
effective 
adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; 
and 
until 
and 
resolves 
of 
the 
days 
after 
Whereas, the 
Department 
of 
Human 
Services 
has 
proposed 
substantial changes to the foster care system to take effect May 
15, 
2003, 
including 
significant 
reductions 
in 
the 
State's 
expenditure on foster care for children; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts 
create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of 
Maine 
and 
require 
the 
following 
legislation 
as 
immediately 
necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and 
safety; now, therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Rulemaking. Resolved: 
That the Department of Human 
Services shall adopt rules regarding levels of foster care, 
including assessment of children and reimbursement rates. 
The 
Department of Human Services shall notify the Joint Standing 
Committee on Health and Human Services of any rule that is 
proposed pursuant to this resolve. Rules adopted pursuant to this 
resolve are routine technical rules as defined by the Maine 
Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the 
preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.' 
Page l-LR1327(2) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .~. to H.P. 421, L.D. 558 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the resolve. 
The amendment retains 
the emergency status of the resolve. The amendment corrects the 
proposed implementation date for new reimbursement rates. 
The 
amendment deletes the provision requiring the Department of Human 
Services to retain current foster care reimbursement rates in 
effect until they have been reviewed and approved by the Joint 
Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. 
The amendment 
adds a provision requiring the department to conduct rulemaking 
on issues relating to levels of foster care, including assessment 
of children and reimbursement rates, and to notify the committee 
of any proposed rules. 
The amendment specifies that these rules 
are routine technical rules. 
FISCAL ~OTE REQUIRED. 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 04/30103 ;J!;?ae 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD558 
Resolve, To Enhance Services to Children and Families 
LR 1327(02) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment" " 
Committee: Health and Human Services 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Any additional costs to the Department of Human Services to implement this bill can be absorbed by the Department 
within existing resources. 
LR1327(2) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
Resolve, To Enhance Services to Children and Families
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0558
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: LA VERRIERE-BOUCHER, LUNDEEN, SULLIVAN, THOMPSON

Legislative Document 
No. 558 
H.P.421 
House of Representatives, February 6,2003 
Resolve, To Enhance Services to Children and Families 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. 
11J~/J7.~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative LA VERRIERE-BOUCHER of Biddeford. 
Cosponsored by Representatives: LUNDEEN of Mars Hill, McKEE of Wayne, SULLIVAN of 
Biddeford, THOMPSON of China. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Emergency preamble. 
Whereas, Acts 
and 
Legislature 
do 
not 
become 
effective 
until 
adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
resolves 
of 
the 
days 
after 
Whereas, the 
Department 
of 
Human 
Services 
has 
proposed 
changes in the reimbursement rates for foster care to take effect 
April 1, 2003 and July 1, 2003; and 
Whereas, the proposed new rates will cause disruption in the 
delivery of foster care services; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts 
create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of 
Maine 
and 
require 
the 
following 
legislation 
as 
immediately 
necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and 
safety; now, therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Rulemaking. Resolved: 
That the Department of Human 
Services shall retain in effect the 
reimbursement 
rates 
for 
therapeutic foster care that were in effect on January 1, 2003 
until the rates proposed for adoption for April 1, 2003 and July 
1, 
2003 
have 
been 
reviewed 
by 
a 
subcommittee 
of 
the Joint 
Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and a set of 
reimbursement rates for therapeutic foster care has been approved 
by a majority of the membership of the committee. 
In reviewing 
the proposed rates pursuant to this section, the subcommittee 
shall 
evaluate 
the 
short-term 
and 
long-term 
impact 
of 
the 
proposed rates and the effect of the proposed rates on the 
availabili ty of appropriate foster home placements for children 
in need of foster care. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the 
preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the directs the Department of Human 
Services 
to 
retain 
in 
effect 
the 
reimbursement 
rates 
for 
therapeutic foster care that were in effect on January 1, 2003 
until the rates proposed for adoption have been reviewed by a 
subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human 
Services and a set of reimbursement rates has been approved by a 
majority of the 
committee. 
The 
subcommittee is directed to 
evaluate the impact of the proposed rates and the effect on the 
availability of foster home placements.
An Act To Increase the Value of a Parsonage That is Exempt from the Property Tax
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0559
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: HUTfON, BREAULT, CRESSEY, DAVIS, RICHARDSON, SA VIELLO
Amends: 36 MRSA §652

12lst MAINE LEGISLATURE 
Legislative Document 
No. 559 
H.P.422 
House of Representatives, February 6, 2003 
An Act To Increase the Value of a Parsonage That is Exempt from 
the Property Tax 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative HUTfON of Bowdoinham. 
!r/~/J7.~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Cosponsored by Representatives: BREAULT of Buxton, CRESSEY of Baldwin, DAVIS of 
Falmouth, RICHARDSON of Brunswick, SA VIELLO of Wilton. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §652, sub-§I, llG, as amended by PL 1971, c. 
Ill, is further amended to read: 
G. 
Houses of religious worship, including vestries, and the 
pews 
and furniture within the same; 
tombs 
and rights of 
burial; and property owned and used by a religious society 
as 
a 
parsonage 
to 
the 
value 
of 
$6GrGGG 
$100,000, 
and 
personal property not exceeding $6,000 in value, but so much 
of any parsonage as is rented is liable to taxation. For 
purposes of the tax exemption provided by this paragraphL a 
parsonage shall-ffieaB means the principal residence provided 
by a religious society for i ts 
e;!,e!'~yHlaB cleric whether or 
not located within the same municipality or place as the 
house 
of 
religious 
worShip 
where 
the 
e;!,e!'~yHlaB 
cleric 
regularly conducts religious services. 
Beginning in 2004, 
the State Tax Assessor shall adjust annually the value of 
property 
owned 
and 
used 
by 
a 
religious 
society 
as 
a 
parsonage that is exempt 
from taxation pursuant to this 
paragraph by the percentage change in the Consumer Price 
Index for the previous year. 
SUMMARY 
Current law provides an exempt.ion from the property tax for 
property owned and used by a religious society as a parsonage to 
the value of $20,000. 
This bill increases that limit to $100,000 
and provides that the limit be adjusted annually for inflation. 
Page l-LR0532(1) 
..
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0562
Committee Amendment CA_A_H225 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,,4 to H.P. 425, L.D. 
Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of 
Senators from Each County" 
562, "RESOLUTION, 
Maine To Elect 2 
Amend the resolution by incorporating the attached fiscal 
note. 
SUMMARY 
This amendment is the minority report of the committee and 
incorporates a fiscal note. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Net Cost (Savings): 
General Fund 
Appropriations! Allocations 
General Fund 
Approved: 04/18/03 ~e 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD562 
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine 
To Elect 2 Senators from Each County 
LRI091(02) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment" " 
Committee: State and Local Government 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
2003-04 
$0 
$0 
2004-05 
($66,432) 
($66,432) 
Projections 
2005-06 
($45,530) 
($45,530) 
Projections 
2006-07 
($68,476) 
($68,476) 
Referendum Costs 
MonthlY ear 
Election Type 
Question 
Length 
Nov-03 
General 
Referendum 
Standard 
The Secretary of State's budget includes sufficient funds to accommodate one ballot of average length for the general 
election in November. If the number or size ofthe referendum questions increases the ballot length, an additional 
appropriation of $8,000 or more may be required. 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
If this constitutional amendment is approved by the voters, it will result in cost savings to the Legislative Budget of 
$66,432 in fiscal year 2004-05, $45,530 in fiscal year 2005-06 and $68,476 in fiscal year 2006-07. 
LR1091(2) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act To with LCPC Licenses Are for Purposes of Insurance Amend the bill by striking out all of section and inserting in its place the following: Sec. 3. 24·A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8, as amended by PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. VV, §22 and affected by §25, is further amended to read: 8. Contracts; providers. A health maintenance organization incorporated under this chapter shall allow providers, pursuant to sections 2744 and 2835, to contract for and receive payment, subject to the health maintenance organization's credentialling policy, for the provision of mental health services within the scope of the provider's licensure. SUMMARY This amendment is being presented on behalf of the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading to prevent a conflict by incorporating changes made to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 24-A, section 4234-A, subsection 8 in Public Law 2003, chapter 20. SPONSORED BY: (Representative RINES) TOWN: Wiscasset Page l-LR0764(3) HOUSE AMENDMENT
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0563
House Amendment HA_A_H84 (House)

HOUSE AMENDMENT ,4, to B,P. 426, 
Require 
That 
Mental 
Health 
Workers 
Recognized as Licensed Professionals 
Reimbursement" 
L.D. 563, Bill, "An Act To 
with 
LCPC 
Licenses 
Are 
for Purposes of Insurance 
Amend 
the bill by striking out all of section 
and 
inserting in its place the following: 
'Sec. 3. 24·A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8, as amended by PL 2003, c. 
20, Pt. VV, §22 and affected by §25, is further amended to read: 
8. 
Contracts; 
providers. 
A 
health 
maintenance 
organization 
incorporated 
under 
this 
chapter 
shall 
allow 
providers, pursuant to sections 2744 and 2835, to contract for 
and 
receive 
payment, 
subject 
to 
the 
health 
maintenance 
organization's credentialling policy, for the provision of mental 
health services within the scope of the provider's licensure.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment is being presented on behalf of the Committee 
on 
Bills 
in 
the 
Second 
Reading 
to 
prevent 
a 
conflict 
by 
incorporating changes made to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 
24-A, section 4234-A, subsection 8 in Public Law 2003, chapter 20. 
SPONSORED BY: 
(Representative RINES) 
TOWN: 
Wiscasset 
Page l-LR0764(3) 
HOUSE AMENDMENT
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0564
Committee Amendment CA_A_H144 (House)
Amends: 38 MRSA §480

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .. p., to H,P, 427, 
Act 
To 
Clarify 
the 
Responsibilities 
of 
Environmental Protection" 
L.D. 
the 
564, Bill, "An 
Department 
of 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting 
clause and before the summary and inserting in its place the 
following: 
'Sec. I. 38 MRSA §480·P, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 809, §2, 
is amended by inserting at the end a new paragraph to read: 
For the purpose of receiving a permit for a transmission 
line or a pipeline under this article. outstanding river segments 
also include any other outstanding river and stream segments 
described in Title 12. section 403.' 
SUMMARY 
The amendment replaces the bill. 
The amendment clarifies 
that, in processing applications for permits for transmission 
lines and pipelines under the natural resources protection laws, 
an outstanding river segment will receive the 
same level of 
protection regardless of whether the outstanding river segment is 
located within the organized or unorganized territories. 
Page l-LR1053(2) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
An Act To Increase Fish Stocking in Aroostook County
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0565
Committee: Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Sponsors: JACKSON, MARTIN, BENNETT, CHURCHILL, COLWELL, DUNLAP, FISCHER, PARADIS, SMITH, WOTTON
Amends: 12 MRSA §7013-A

Legislative Document 
No. 565 
H.P.428 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Increase Fish Stocking in Aroostook County 
Reference to the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife suggested and ordered 
printed. 
Presented by Representative JACKSON of Fort Kent. 
Cosponsored by Senator MARTIN of Aroostook and 
/J1~1?1.1T/~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BENNETT of Caribou, CHURCHILL of Wash bum, Speaker COLWELL of 
• 
Gardiner, DUNLAP of Old Town, FISCHER of Presque Isle, PARADIS of Frenchville, 
SMITH of Van Buren, WOTTON of Littleton. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7013-A, sub-§3 is enacted to read: 
3. 
Stocking levels. 
The Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife shall ensure that lakes located in Aroostook County are 
stocked at levels equal to lakes in other regions of the State. 
SUMMARY 
This bill requires the Department of Inland Fisheries and 
Wildlife to stock lakes in Aroostook County at the same level as 
in other regions of the State. 
Page l-LR0659(1) 
• 
• 
• 
..
An Act To Prohibit Government-subsidized Competition with Lodging Establishments
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0567
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: McLAUGHLIN, SULLIVAN, BROMLEY, HALL

Legislative Document 
No. 567 
H.P.430 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Prohibit Government-subsidized Competition with 
Lodging Establishments 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
'77/~ 1??1lld£~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative McLAUGHLIN of Cape Elizabeth. 
Cosponsored by Representative: SULLIVAN of Biddeford, Senators: BROMLEY of 
Cumberland, HALL of Lincoln. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 30-A MRS A §5224-A is enacted to read: 
§5224-A. 
Lodging facilities prohibited 
A development program may not include, 
and tax increment 
financing may not be used for, 
the development of 
a 
lodging 
facility, including, but not limited to, an inn, hotel or motel. 
SUMMARY 
This bill prohibits 
the use 
of municipal 
tax 
increment 
financing for a lodging facility. 
Page l-LR1383(1)
Resolve, To Study the Impact of a Statewide System for the Electronic Filing of Deeds
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0568
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: McLAUGHLIN, YOUNGBLOOD, BULL, COWGER, KOFFMAN, TARDY, WOODBURY, HALL

Legislative Document 
No. 568 
H.P.431 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
Resolve, To Study the Impact of a Statewide System for the 
Electronic Filing of Deeds 
Reference to the Committee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed. 
7ll~ 
/h.1lltU:~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative McLAUGHLIN of Cape Elizabeth. 
Cosponsored by Senator YOUNGBLOOD of Penobscot and 
Representatives: BULL of Freeport, COWGER of Hallowell, KOFFMAN of Bar Harbor, 
TARDY of Newport, WOODBURY of Yarmouth, Senator: HALL of Lincoln. 
Printed on recycled paper 
CONCEPT DRAFT 
SUMMARY 
This resolve is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. 
This resolve proposes to establish a study to conduct and 
evaluate the short-term and long-term impact of 
a 
statewide 
system for electronic filing of deeds, considering factors such 
as 
immediate costs to the State and to communities 
and the 
long-term costs or savings and making the current system more 
efficient. 
Page l-LR1481(1)
An Act To Eliminate a Defunct Account in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources LR1841 (02)
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0570
Committee Amendment CA_A_H12 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "~,, to H.P. 433, L.D. 570, Bill, "An 
Act 
To 
Eliminate 
a 
Defunct 
Account 
in 
the 
Department 
of 
Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources" 
Amend the bill by incorporating the attached fiscal note. 
SUMMARY 
This amendment incorporates a fiscal note. 
Page l-LR184l(2) 
COMM/rrEE AMENDMENT 
Net Cost (Savings): 
General Fund 
Transfers 
General Fund 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 03/12/03 ;'Ik?ac::.. 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD570 
An Act To Eliminate a Defunct Account in the Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources 
LR1841 (02) 
Fiscal Note for Original Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Projections 
Projections 
2003-04 
2004-05 
2005-06 
2006-07 
($225,000) 
$0 
$0 
$0 
$225,000 
$0 
$0 
$0 
($225,000) 
$0 
$0 
$0 
This bill transfers the remaining balance from the Dairy Farm Stabilization Fund to the unappropriated surplus of the 
General Fund. The estimated amount is $225,000; the exact amount can not be determined at this time due to 
accruing interest earnings. 
LRI841(2) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act To Allow the Public Utilities Commission To Exempt Certain Telephone Utilities from the Requirement To Obtain Approval for Special Contracts
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0569
Committee: Utilities and Energy
Sponsors: BLISS, HALL, RINES
Amends: 35-A MRSA §703

Legislative Document 
No. 569 
H.P.432 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Allow the Public Utilities Commission To Exempt 
Certain Telephone Utilities from the Requirement To Obtain 
Approval for Special Contracts 
Submitted by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Joint Rule 204. 
Reference to the Committee on Utilities and Energy suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative BLISS of South Portland. 
Cosponsored by Senator HALL of Lincoln and 
Representative: RINES of Wiscasset. 
Printed on recycled paper 
---m~ 1J7.11ldC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §703, sub-§3-B is enacted to read: 
3-B. 
Exemptions 
for 
certain 
telephone utilities. 
The 
commission 
may 
adopt 
by 
rule 
standards 
and 
procedures 
for 
granting exemptions to telephone utilities or specified groups of 
telephone utilities from the approval requirement of subsection 
3-A. 
Such an exemption must be accompanied by a finding that the 
exemption is in the public interest and will not have a negative 
impact 
on 
competitive 
markets 
for 
telephone 
services. 
The 
commission may limit an exemption to a specific geographic area. 
A telephone utility granted an exemption pursuant to 
a 
rule 
adopted under this subsection remains subject to other applicable 
provisions of this Title and commission rules. 
For good cause, 
as defined by the commission by rule, the commission may revoke 
any exemption granted pursuant to this subsection. 
A revocation 
may be in whole or in part and may be specific to a single 
telephone utility or a single telephone utility service. 
Rules 
adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules 
as defined in Title S, chapter 37S, subchapter 2-A. 
SUMMARY 
This bill authorizes 
the Public Utilities Commission to 
adopt 
rules 
to 
grant 
exemptions 
from 
the 
requirement 
that 
telephone utilities obtain commission approval for special rate 
contracts with their customers. 
Page l-LR1460 (1)
An Act To Eliminate a Defunct Account in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0570
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: SMITH, HALL, CARR, FLETCHER, JENNINGS, LUNDEEN, THOMPSON, KNEELAND, STRIMLING, WESTON

Legislative Document 
No. 570 
H.P.433 
House of Representatives, February 11, 2003 
An Act To Eliminate a Defunct Account in the Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed. 
77l~ 
/J7. 7l/II£~ 
MilLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative SMITH of Monmouth. (GOVERNOR'S BILL) 
Cosponsored by Senator HALL of Lincoln and 
Representatives: CARR of Lincoln, FLETCHER of Winslow, JENNINGS of Leeds, 
LUNDEEN of Mars Hill, THOMPSON of China, Senators: KNEELAND of Aroostook, 
STRIMLING of Cumberland, WESTON of Waldo. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Emergency preamble. Whereas. Acts of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted 
as emergencies; and 
Whereas, in January 1995 the Legislature repealed statutory 
authority for the Maine Dairy Farm Stabilization Fund; and 
Whereas, the repeal legislation did not provide 
for 
the 
disposition of the funds remaining on account; and 
Whereas, the outlook for the economy of the State and the 
revenue projections for State Government require prompt action; 
and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts 
create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of 
Maine 
and 
require 
the 
following 
legislation 
as 
immediately 
necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and 
safety; now, therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 
State funds eliminated. 
Notwithstanding 
any 
other 
provision of law, 
the State Controller shall merge with the 
General Fund unappropriated surplus the balance remaining in the 
Other Special Revenue Dairy Farm Stabilization Fund wi thin the 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources pursuant to 
the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 1508. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the 
preamble, this Act takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill merges with the General Fund the balance remaining 
in the Dairy Farm Stabilization Fund within the Department of 
Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. 
The statutory authority 
has been previously repealed. 
Page l-LR184l(l)
An Act To Improve the Safety of Public Roads
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0571
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: COWGER, ANDREWS, BUNKER, FAIRCLOTH, MARRACHE, PARADIS, SULLIVAN, USHER, HATCH
Amends: 29-A MRSA §2458

Legislative Document 
No. 571 
H.P.434 
House of Representati ves, February 11, 2003 
An Act To Improve the Safety of Public Roads 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative COWGER of Hallowell. 
Cosponsored by Senator SA V AGE of Knox and 
11/~ 
1?7.1lld£~ 
MllLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: ANDREWS of York, BUNKER of Kossuth Township, FAIRCLOTH of 
Bangor, MARRACHE of WaterviIle, PARADIS of Frenchville, SULLIVAN of Biddeford, 
USHER of Westbrook, Senator: HATCH of Somerset. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2458. sub-§2. ,0, as amended by PL 1997, c. 
776, §48, is further amended to read: 
O. 
Has a license, permit or the privilege to apply for or 
obtain a license suspended or revoked by a jurisdiction of 
the United States or a province; 9t 
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §2458. sub-§2. ,P, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 
776, §49, is amended to read: 
P. 
Has failed to provide a valid social security number 
pursuant to section 130lT~ 
Sec.3. 29-A MRSA §2458, sub-§2"Q is enacted to read: 
O. 
Has operated a motor vehicle at an imprudent speed or at 
a rate of speed that exceeded the maximum speed limit by 30 
miles per hour or more and caused an accident that resulted 
in the death of another person. 
SUMMARY 
This bill gives the Secretary of State the authority to 
administratively suspend the li-=snse of a motor vehicle operator 
who operated a motor vehicle at an imprudent speed or at a rate 
of speed that exceeded the maximum speed limit by 30 miles per 
hour or more and caused an accident that resulted in the death of 
another person. 
Page l-LRI050 (1)
An Act To Restrict a School District from the Wholesale Attachment of Personal Property if a Town Defaults on Its School Commitment
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0572
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: BUNKER, GAGNON
Amends: 20-A MRSA §1310

Legislative Document 
No. 572 
H.P.435 
House of Representatives, February 11, 2003 
An Act To Restrict a School District from the Wholesale Attachment 
of Personal Property if a Town Defaults on Its School Commitment 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
/1l~ 
/J7·llldC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative BUNKER of Kossuth Township. 
Cosponsored by Senator GAGNON of Kennebec. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §1310, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 
693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read: 
6. 
Enforcement. 
If a municipal treasurer fails to pay the 
installment 
due, 
or 
any 
part, 
on 
the 
dates 
required, 
EBe 
E~eas~~e~-~-~~-a~&~F~~-may-~~~-waFFaB~-~e£-~~~~~-ef 
EBe-~~-EaH-~~-EBe-~1r-sBeFiff-~~~~~-EBe-~~~~-Ee 
~evy-by-~~~-aRa-~~~~-~ae-~~~-aBG-pe££~£~~-~r~r~~-ef 
aRy-~--t.~-i-Baa&iEaBEs there may be a lien as provided in Title 
36, section 552 on the real estate of the municipality where that 
default takes place. 
~Be--&h&F~~~-~--~~~~~~~-aep~~ie£--sBa±± 
eHee~t:e--t.-he--wa~~aRET The lien takes precedence over all other 
claims on that real estate and continues in force until the taxes 
are 
paid or 
the 
lien is 
otherwise 
terminated 
by 
law. 
In 
collecting taxes 
within 
member 
municipalities, 
the 
board of 
directors saBl-l--aaye has the same power as county officials for 
the collection of county taxes under Title 36, 
chapter 105, 
subchapter 9. 
SUMMARY 
This bill repeals the provision of current law that allows a 
school administrative district t-:: issue a warrant to take and 
sell the real and personal prnperty of 
any inhabitant of 
a 
municipality that has failed to pay its school tax levy to the 
district. 
In its place, the bill establishes a priority lien on 
the real estate of the municipality that has failed to pay its 
tax to the district. 
Page l-LR0745(1)
An Act To Provide Property Tax Relief to Elderly Maine Citizens
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0573
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: COWGER, STANLEY, CLOUGH, HUTTON, LERMAN, SIMPSON, SUSLOVIC, GAGNON, NASS, STRIMLING

Legislative Document 
No. 573 
H.P.436 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Provide Property Tax Relief to Elderly Maine Citizens 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative COWGER of Hallowell. 
Cosponsored by Senator STANLEY of Penobscot and 
/Jf~ 
/i7.1JJd£~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CLOUGH of Scarborough, HUTTON of Bowdoinham, LERMAN of 
Augusta, SIMPSON of Auburn, SUSLOVIC of Portland, Senators: GAGNON of Kennebec, 
NASS of York, STRIMLING of Cumberland. 
Printed on rcx:ycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. I. 36 MRS A §683. sub-§I-A is enacted to read: 
I-A. 
Additional exemption. 
In addition to the exemption 
specified in subsection 1, a person who is at least 65 years of 
age and who has resided for at least 25 years in the homestead 
for which the exemption is being claimed under this subchapter is 
entitled to an additional exemption of $1, 000 of the just value 
of the homestead for each year beyond 25 years that the person 
continues to reside in the homestead. 
SUMMARY 
This bill 
amends 
the so-called "homestead" 
property tax 
exemption to allow a person who is at least 65 years of age and 
who 
has resided in the 
same house for at least 25 years an 
additional property tax exemption of $1,000 of the value of the 
home for each year the person resides in the home beyond 25 
years. 
Thus, based on the current homestead exemption amount of 
$7,000, a 65-year-old person who has resided in the same home for 
years is entitled to an additional $5,000 homestead property 
tax exemption for a total exemption of $12,000.
An Act To Clarify the Definition of Commercial Agricultural Production
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0574
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: DAIGLE, MARTIN, CARR, HONEY, PINEAU, KNEELAND, NASS
Amends: 36 MRSA §2013

Legislative Document 
No. 574 
H.P.437 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Clarify the Definition of Commercial Agricultural 
Production 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative DAIGLE of Arundel. 
Cosponsored by Senator MARTIN of Aroostook and 
!r/~ 
frJ.1JltlC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CARR of Lincoln, HONEY of Boothbay, PINEAU of Jay, Senators: 
KNEELAND of Aroostook, NASS of York. 
Prin.ed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §2013, sub-§I, 1fA, as amended by PL 1993, c. 
151, §1, is further amended to read: 
A. 
"Commercial 
agricultural production" means 
commercial 
production 
of 
crops 
for 
human 
and 
animal 
consumption, 
including the commercial production of sod, the commercial 
production of seed to be used primarily to raise crops for 
nourishment of humans or animals 
aBe, 
the production of 
livestock and the commercial production of compost. 
Sec. 2. 
Retroactivity. 
This 
Act 
applies 
retroactively 
to 
August 11, 2000. 
SUMMARY 
This bill expands the definition of "commercial agricultural 
production" for purposes of the laws governing sales and use tax 
to specifically include the commercial production of compost.
An Act to Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions LR 1517(02)
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0575
Committee Amendment CA_A_H66 (House)
Committee: Labor

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Act To Encourage Workers' "A" to H.P. 438, L.D. 575, Bill, 
Compensation Dispute Resolutions" 
"An 
Amend the bill in section 1 in subsection 8 in the 4th line 
(page 1, line 8 in L.D.) by striking out the following: "section 
3l3, subsection 6 and" 
Further amend the bill by striking out all of section 2. 
Further amend the bill by inserting after section 3 the 
following: 
, Sec. 
4. 
Appropriations 
and 
allocations. 
appropriations and allocations are made. 
WORKERS' CC»CPERSATIOH BOARD 
Administration -
Workers' Compensation Board 
The 
following 
Initiative: 
Provides base allocations for the Advocate Program 
Fund. 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
All Other 
2003-04 
$500 
2004-05 
$500 
Other Special Revenue Funds Total 
Further amend the bill by relettering 
nonconsecutive 
Part 
letter 
or 
section 
consecutively. 
Page l-LR1517(2) 
$500 
$500' 
or renumbering any 
number 
to 
read 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .. A· to H.P. 438, L.D. 575 
SUMMARY 
This amendment is the majority report of the Joint Standing 
Committee 
on 
Labor. 
It deletes 
the provision of 
the bill 
allowing 
the 
Workers' 
Compensation 
Board 
to 
impose 
a 
$500 
surcharge 
on 
an 
employer 
following 
mediation 
under 
certain 
circumstances. 
The bill would continue to provide for a $1,500 
surcharge following formal hearing when the employee retains or 
obtains a greater benefit than the employer offered prior to the 
hearing. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 03/24103 ;:::Jd'ac:.. 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD575 
An Act to Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions 
LR 1517(02) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 
Committee: Labor 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Potential current biennium revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds 
Appropriations/Allocations 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
2003-04 
$500 
2004-05 
$500 
Projections 
2005-06 
$0 
Projections 
2006-07 
$0 
This bill includes Other Special Revenue Funds allocations in fiscal year 2003-04 and fiscal year 2004-05 to establish 
base allocations for the Advocate Program Fund within the Workers' Compensation Board. The amount of revenue to 
be deposited into the Fund from surcharges cannot be determined at this time. 
LR1517(2) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act to Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions LR 1517(04)
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0575
Committee Amendment CA_B_H639 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "g" to H.P. 438, L.D. 575, Bill, 
Act To Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions" 
"An 
Amend the bill in section 1 in subsection 8 in the 3rd and 
4th lines (page 1, lines 7 and 8 in L.D.) by striking out the 
following: 
"Surcharges 
collected 
pursuant 
to 
section 
313, 
subsection 6 and" and inserting in its place the following: 'User 
fees collected pursuant to' 
Further amend the bill by striking out all of section 2. 
Further amend the bill in section 3 in that part designated 
"§318-A." by striking out all of the first line (page 1, line 26 
in L.D.) and inserting in its place the following: 
'§318-A. 
User fee' 
Further amend the bill in section 3 in that part designated 
"§318-A." in the first paragraph in the 4th line (page 1, line 31 
in L.D.) by striking out the following: "may assess a surcharge 
in 
the 
amount 
of 
$1,500" 
and 
inserting in its 
place 
the 
following: 'shall assess a user fee of $1,000' 
Further amend the bill by inserting after section 3 the 
following: 
, Sec. 
4. 
Appropriations 
and 
allocations. 
appropriations and allocations are made. 
Page l-LR1517(4) 
The 
following 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
~'tt 
~ 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .. !J .. to H.P. 438, L.D. 575 
WORKERS' C<»IPENSATION BOARD 
Administration - Workers' Compensation Board 
Initiative: 
Provides base allocations for the Advocate Program 
Fund. 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
All Other 
General Fund Total 
2003-04 
$0 
$0 
2004-05 
$500 
$500' 
Further amend the 
nonconsecutive 
consecutively. 
Part 
bill by relettering or renumbering any 
letter 
or 
section 
number 
to 
read 
SUMMARY 
This amendment deletes provisions of the bill that proposed 
to allow the Workers' Compensation Board to impose surcharges on 
employers who 
do not prevail at mediation sessions or formal 
hearings. 
Instead, the amendment requires the board to assess a 
$1,000 user fee against an employer if, following formal hearing, 
the employee obtains or retains more benefits than the employer 
offered prior to the formal hearing. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 01122/04 ~ac 
Office of Fiscal and Program Review 
LD575 
An Act to Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions 
LR 1517(04) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 
Committee: Labor 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Potential current biennium revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds 
2003-04 
2004-05 
Projections 
2005-06 
Projections 
2006-07 
;propriations/ Allocations 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
$0 
$500 
$0 
This bill includes an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $500 in fiscal year 2004-05 to establish a base 
allocation for the Advocate Program Fund within the Workers' Compensation Board. The amount of revenue to be 
deposited into the Fund from user fees cannot be detennined at this time. 
LR1517(4) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 ofl 
$0
An Act To Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0575
Committee: Labor
Sponsors: SMITH, EDMONDS, HATCH, HUTTON, NORTON, PATRICK, WATSON
Amends: 39-A MRSA §153-A, 39-A MRSA §313, 39-A MRSA §318-A

Legislative Document 
No. 575 
H.P.438 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Encourage Workers' Compensation Dispute Resolutions 
Reference to the Committee on Labor suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative SMITH of Van Buren. 
Cosponsored by Senator EDMONDS of Cumberland and 
111~/J7·~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: HATCH of Skowhegan, HUTTON of Bowdoinham, NORTON of Bangor, 
PATRICK of Rumford, WATSON of Bath. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 39-A MRSA §153-A. sub-§8 is enacted to read: 
8. 
Advocate 
Program 
Fund. 
The 
Advocate 
Program 
Fund, 
referred to in this subsection as "the fund," is established as a 
nonlapsing dedicated fund within the board. 
Surcharges collected 
pursuant to section 313, subsection 6 and section 318 A must be 
deposited in the fund. 
The board shall use 100% of the resources 
in the fund to defray costs associated with the advocate program 
established pursuant to this section. 
Sec. 2. 39-A MRSA §313, sub-§6 is enacted to read: 
6. 
Surcharge. 
If, 
at the 
conclusion of mediation, 
an 
agreement is reached under which the employee obtains or retains 
more benefits than were offered to the employee by the employer 
prior to the initiation of mediation, the board may assess a 
surcharge against the employer in the amount of $500. 
Funds 
collected pursuant to this subsection must be deposited in the 
Advocate 
Program 
Fund, 
established 
under 
section 
153-A, 
subsection 8. 
Sec. 3. 39-A MRSA §318-A is enacted to read: 
§318-A. 
Surcharge 
If 
a 
hearing officer issues 
a 
decision 
under 
which 
an 
employee obtains or retains more benefits than were offered to 
the employee by the employer prior to the initiation of the 
hearing, the board may assess a surcharge in the amount of $1,500 
against the employer. 
Funds collected pursuant to this section 
must be deposited in the Advocate Program fund, established under 
section 153-A, subsection 8. 
SUMMARY 
The purpose of this bill is to encourage resolution of 
workers' 
compensation disputes prior to mediation and hearing. 
This bill authorizes the Workers' Compensation Board to levy a 
$500 surcharge on an employer if, at the conclusion of mediation, 
the employee obtains or retains more benefits than the employer 
had offered prior to mediation. 
The bill authorizes a $1, 500 
surcharge on an employer if, at the conclusion of the hearing, 
the employee obtains or retains more benefits than the employer 
had offered prior to hearing. 
Under the bill, these surcharges 
are deposited in a dedicated fund to be used to defray the costs 
of the workers' compensation advocate program. 
Page l-LR1517(1}
An Act Concerning the Use of Safety Rear View Mirrors
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0576
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: CLOUGH, STANLEY, CARR, CLARK, COLLINS, DA VIS, DUNLAP, JOY, USHER
Amends: 29-A MRSA §1913

Legislative Document 
No. 576 
H.P.439 
House of Representati ves, February 11, 2003 
An Act Concerning the Use of Safety Rear View Mirrors 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative CLOUGH of Scarborough. 
Cosponsored by Senator STANLEY of Penobscot and 
Il/~ 
/J7.17!4£~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CARR of Lincoln, CLARK of Millinocket, COLLINS of Wells, DA VIS of 
Falmouth, DUNLAP of Old Town, JOY of Crystal, McKENNEY of Cumberland, USHER of 
Westbrook. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1913, sub-§I, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 
683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read; 
1. 
~rrors required. 
A person may not operate on a public 
way a vehicle so constructed, equipped, loaded or used that the 
operator 
is 
prevented 
from 
having 
a 
constantly 
free 
and 
unobstructed view of the way immediately to the rear, unless 
there is attached a mirror eF--r.e-f-leel:.eF placed and adjusted to 
afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the 
rear of the vehicle for 
a distance of at least 200 feet. 
vehicle hauling a load must be equipped with rear view mirrors 
located on each side of the vehicle. 
SUMMARY 
This bill clarifies that a motor vehicle hauling a load must 
be equipped with side rear view mirrors. 
Page l-LR0252(1)
An Act To Facilitate Access to Dial-up Internet Service for Telephone Customers throughout the State
Maine Legislature, Session 121, LD 0577
Committee: Utilities and Energy
Sponsors: BLISS, HALL, CLARK, DUDLEY, FISCHER
Amends: 35-A MRSA §7104, 35-A MRSA §7108

Legislative Document 
No. 577 
H.P.440 
House of Representatives, February 11,2003 
An Act To Facilitate Access to Dial-up Internet Service for 
Telephone Customers throughout the State 
Reference to the Committee on Utilities and Energy suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative BLISS of South Portland. 
Cosponsored by Senator HALL of Lincoln and 
7!l~ 
/J1.7i/4c~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CLARK of Millinocket, DUDLEY of Portland, FISCHER of Presque Isle, 
McKEE of Wayne, McLAUOIll..IN of Cape Elizabeth. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §7104, sub-§2. as enacted by PL 1997, c. 
692, §1, is amended to read: 
2. 
General availability. 
The 
ensure that similar telecommunication 
consumers 
throughout 
all 
areas 
of 
comparable rates, including access to 
pursuant to section 7108. 
commission shall 
seek 
to 
services are available to 
the 
State 
at 
reasonably 
dial-up Internet services 
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §7108 is enacted to read: 
§7108. 
Access to Internet by customer 
1. 
Standard. 
All basic local service telephone lines in 
the State that are owned and furnished by local exchange carriers 
must be capable of providing dial-up Internet access at speeds of 
28.8 kilobytes or greater. 
2. 
Process. 
The 
commission 
shall 
investigate 
all 
complaints from telephone customers who allege that the condition 
of the local telephone line servicing the customer's premises is 
not sufficient to allow for transmission of data at the rate of 
28.8 kilobytes. 
If the commission finds that a local 
telephon~ 
line fails to meet the standard, it shall reguire the local 
exchange carrier to 
make 
improvements 
necessary to 
meet 
the 
standard within a reasonable time. 
3. 
Rulemaking. 
The 
commission 
shall 
adopt 
rules 
establishing the terms and conditions reguired of local exchange 
carriers to meet the standards reguired in subsection 1. 
Rules 
adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as 
defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
Sec. 3. Report. 
By December 20, 2003, the Public Utilities 
Commission 
shall 
submit 
to 
the Joint Standing 
Committee 
Utili ties and Energy a report on the status of the ability of 
Maine citizens to access t.he Internet from their residences or 
places of business. 
The report must include an assessment of the 
number of basic service telephone lines in the State that remain 
incapable of data transmission at the standard under the Maine 
Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 7108, subsection 1 and must 
include 
a 
detailed list of 
actions that the 
commission has 
undertaken 
to 
advance 
universal 
access 
to 
dial-up 
Internet 
services. 
Page I-LR13l2(l) 
SUMMARY 
This bill requires that 
capable of providing dial-up 
kilobytes or greater. 
local service telephone lines be 
Internet access at speeds of 28.8