Resolve, Establishing a Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure (AFTER DEADLINE)
Maine Legislature, Session 124, LD 1291
Sponsors: McCORMICK, FLOOD, DIAMOND, MARRACHE, MILLS

MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE 
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124th MAl 
LEGISLATURE 
, Legislative Document 
No. 1291 
S.P.473 
In Senate, March 31, 2009 
Resolve, Establishing a Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic 
Drug Exposure 
(AFTER DEADLINE) 
(EMERGENCY) 
,Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
205. 
Reference to the Comniittee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Senator McCORMICK of Kennebec. 
Cosponsored by Representative FLOOD of Winthrop and 
9tfJ{J~ 
JOY J. O'BRIEN 
Secretary of the Senate 
Senators: DIAMOND of Cumberland, MARRACHE of Kemlebec, MILLS of Somerset. 
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, the Study Commission on'In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure is created in 
this resolve and must issue its findings and report by December 2, 2009; aild 
Whereas, the study must be initia,ted 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 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitutioilof 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 Study Commission on In 
Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure, refen'ed to in this resolve as "the commission," is 
established; and be it fUliher 
Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 
members appointed as follows: 
1. Seven members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows: 
A. Four members ofthe Senate. When appointing members, the President shall give 
preference to Senators who are or were members of the Joint Standing Committee on 
Health and Human Services; 
B. The head of pediatrics from a hospital representing the eastern part of the State; 
C. One member who is a pediatrician; and 
D. One member who is a physician and is involved with a program that meets the 
medical and psychological needs of children in foster care; 
2. Five, members appointed by the Speaker of the House as follows: 
A. Three members ofthe House of Representatives. When appointing the members, 
the Speaker shall give preference to members of the House of Representatives who 
are or were members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human 
Services; 
B. 
One member who is a physician with a family practice who has experience 
working with young women with substance abuse problems; and 
C. 
One member from an organization that provides disability risk assessment 
services; and 
3. One member from the child protection services division within the Department of 
Health and Human ServiCes, appointed by the Governor; and be it further 
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Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is' the Senate 
chair and the first-named House of Representatives menlber is the House chair of the 
commission; and be it fmther 
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 
Co.uncil 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 August I, 2009; and be it fmther 
Sec. 5. Dutie.s. Resolved: That the commission shall address the issue of in utero 
narcotic drug exposure in the State and develop solutions for infants so afflicted during 
and after bilth; 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 
Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 2,2009, the commission 
shall submit a repOlt that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The 
Joint-Standing Committee OIi Health and Human Services is authorized to introduce.a bill 
related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th 
Legislature lIpon receipt of the report. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the' preamble, . this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve establishes the Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure.