Resolve, To Establish a Study Commission To Explore the Creation of a Department of Peace
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 1247
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: SULLIVAN, ADAMS, BOWMAN, PERCY

Legislative Document 
No. 1247 
S.P.433 
March 8, 2007 
Resolve, To Establish a Study Commission To Explore the Creation 
of a Department of Peace 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Senator SULLIVAN of York. (BY REQUEST) 
JOY 1. O'BRIEN 
Secretary of the Senate 
Cosponsored by Representative ADAMS of Portland and Senator: BOWMAN of York, 
Representative: PERCY of Phippsburg. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, this resolve establishes the Commission to Explore the Creation of a 
Department of Peace; and 
Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that 
the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next 
legislative session; and 
II 
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. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Explore 
the Creation of a Department of Peace, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is 
established; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 
members appointed as follows: 
I. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate; 
2. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the 
House; and 
3. Two members of the public, appointed by the Governor; and be it further 
Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate 
chair of the commission and the first-named House of Representatives member is the 
House chair of the commission; and be it further 
Sec. 4. 
Appointments; convening of commiSSIOn. 
Resolved: 
That all 
appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this 
resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative 
Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment 
of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission, 
which must be no later than 60 days following the effective date of this resolve; and be it 
further 
Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall explore the creation of a 
Department of Peace, which will be concerned with global peace, security and justice in 
order to improve the political climate locally and eventually at the national level by 
establishing a federal Department of Peace; and be it further 
Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide 
necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further 
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Sec. 7. 
Compensation. 
Resolved: 
That the legislative members of the 
commission are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine 
Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary 
expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Public 
members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they 
represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a 
demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their 
attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further 
Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January IS, 2008, the commission 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
II 
legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature. The 
commission is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second 
Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature at the time of submission of its report; and be it 
fUl1her 
IS 
Sec. 9. 
Extension. 
Resolved: 
That, if the commIssIon 
extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it 
Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further 
requires a limited 
may apply to the 
Sec. 10. Commission budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, 
with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. 
Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and 
proposed budget to the Legislative Council for its approval. The commission may not 
incur expenses that would result in the commission's exceeding its approved budget. 
Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council 
shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status rep0l1 on the 
commission budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve establishes the Commission to Explore the Creation of a Depa!1ment of 
Peace.