Resolve, To Direct the Department of Economic and Community Development To Convene a Task Force To Bolster and Expand Exports of Maine Products and Services
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 1665
Committee: Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development
Sponsors: HOBBINS

Legislative Document 
No. 1665 
S.P. 564 
In Senate, December 21, 2011 
Resolve, To Direct the Department of Economic and Community 
Development To Convene a Task Force To Bolster and Expand 
Exports of Maine Products and Services 
(EMERGENCY) 
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203. 
Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 19, 2011.  Referred to the Committee 
on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and 
ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218. 
JOSEPH G. CARLETON, JR. 
Secretary of the Senate 
Presented by Senator HOBBINS of York. 
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 directs the Department of Economic and Community 
Development to convene a task force that must be initiated before the 90-day period 
expires in order that its study may be completed in time for a report to be submitted to the 
next legislative session; 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.  Task force.  Resolved:  That, within its existing resources, the 
Department of Economic and Community Development shall convene a task force to 
study ways to increase exports of Maine products and services and to simplify the export 
process.   The task force shall explore obstacles confronting Maine business owners 
trying to export goods and services, review policies and practices in other states in which 
the business communities successfully export goods and services and recommend 
measures to simplify and facilitate the export process, including any changes needed in 
law; and be it further 
Sec. 2.  Membership.  Resolved: That the Department of Economic and 
Community Development shall invite the participation of interested parties, including but 
not limited to small business owners successfully exporting goods and services, the 
Maine International Trade Center, the Finance Authority of Maine, the United States 
Small Business Administration and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce; and be it 
further 
Sec. 3.  Report.  Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community 
Development shall submit a report describing the work of the task force, including 
recommendations and any suggested legislation, to the joint standing committee of the 
Legislature having jurisdiction over business, research and economic development 
matters.  Following receipt and review of the report, the joint standing committee may 
submit legislation based on the report to the First Regular Session of the 126th 
Legislature. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Department of Economic and Community Development to 
convene a task force to study ways to bolster and expand exports of Maine products and 
services and to submit a report to the 126th Legislature.