Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability
Maine Legislature, Session 126, LD 1757
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: PETERSON, KATZ, CASSIDY, CRAFTS, EVES, FARNSWORTH, GATTINE, MALABY, STUCKEY, LACHOWICZ

Legislative Document 
No. 1757 
H.P. 1261 
House of Representatives, February 4, 2014 
Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent 
Living and Disability 
(EMERGENCY) 
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203. 
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative PETERSON of Rumford. 
Cosponsored by Senator KATZ of Kennebec and 
Representatives: CASSIDY of Lubec, CRAFTS of Lisbon, Speaker EVES of North Berwick, 
FARNSWORTH of Portland, GATTINE of Westbrook, MALABY of Hancock, STUCKEY of 
Portland, Senator: LACHOWICZ of Kennebec. 
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 Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent 
Living and Disability; and 
Whereas, the work of the commission 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 
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, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability, 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, a majority of whom must be individuals with a disability, appointed as 
follows: 
1.  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; 
3.  Seven members of the public with experience or expertise in the challenges of 
independent living for individuals with a disability in the State, 2 of whom are appointed 
by the President of the Senate, 2 of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the House and 
of whom are appointed by the Governor; 
4. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, or a designee; 
5. The Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center, or a designee; 
6.  The executive director of Alpha One, or a designee; 
7.  The chair of the Maine Statewide Independent Living Council, or a designee; and 
8.  The Attorney General, or a designee; and be it further 
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That the first-named Senate member is the Senate 
chair 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.  After appointment of all members, 
the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission.  If 30 days or more 
after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been 
made, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority 
for the commission to meet and conduct its business; and be it further 
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the commission shall evaluate the needs of Maine 
citizens with a disability, review existing available resources and services and 
recommend priorities for cost-effective changes designed to promote independent living 
and community inclusion.  Specifically, the commission shall examine the State's laws 
governing access to housing, transportation, public accommodation, education and 
employment.  In developing its recommendations on measures to improve the lives of, 
and increase overall community participation by, Maine citizens with a disability, the 
commission shall consider the expansion of access to: 
1. Assistive technology; 
2. Appropriate and accessible housing and community-based living opportunities; 
3. Appropriate education and training opportunities to promote employment of 
individuals with a disability; and 
4. Cost-effective transportation; 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 November 5, 2014, the 
commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, 
including suggested legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having 
jurisdiction over health and human services matters.  After receipt and review of the 
report, the joint standing committee may submit a bill relating to the subject matter of the 
report to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and 
Disability.