Resolve, To Establish the Task Force To Identify Special Education Cost Drivers and Innovative Approaches to Services
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 0642
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: KORNFIELD, FARNSWORTH, FULLER, GINZLER, SAMPSON, SCHNECK, LANGLEY, MILLETT

Legislative Document
No. 642
H.P. 456
House of Representatives, February 28, 2017
Resolve, To Establish the Task Force To Identify Special Education 
Cost Drivers and Innovative Approaches to Services
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative KORNFIELD of Bangor.
Cosponsored by Representatives: FARNSWORTH of Portland, FULLER of Lewiston, 
GINZLER of Bridgton, McCREA of Fort Fairfield, SAMPSON of Alfred, SCHNECK of 
Bangor, Senators: LANGLEY of Hancock, MILLETT of Cumberland.
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 Task Force To Identify Special Education Cost Drivers and 
Innovative Approaches to Services will work to address the rising cost of special 
education while maintaining high-quality services that accommodate the needs of all 
children; 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 
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 established.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the Task Force To Identify Special Education Cost Drivers and Innovative 
Approaches to Services, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," is established; and 
be it further 
Sec. 2.  Task force membership.  Resolved:  That the task force consists of 9 
members appointed as follows: 
1.  A Senate member of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural 
Affairs, appointed by the President of the Senate; 
2.  A House of Representatives member of the Joint Standing Committee on 
Education and Cultural Affairs, appointed by the Speaker of the House; 
3.  A school superintendent representing the Maine School Superintendents 
Association, appointed by the President of the Senate; 
4.  A member of a school board representing the Maine School Boards Association, 
appointed by the Speaker of the House; 
5.  A special education director representing a statewide association of special 
education directors or teachers, appointed by the President of the Senate; 
6.  A principal representing the Maine Principals' Association, appointed by the 
Speaker of the House; 
7.  A teacher representing the Maine Education Association, appointed by the 
President of the Senate; 
8.  A parent of a student with special needs representing a statewide association of 
parents of students with special needs, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and 
9.  An advocate for students with special needs appointed by the President of the 
Senate; and be it further 
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That the Senate member is the Senate chair and the 
House of Representatives member is the House chair of the task force; and be it further 
Sec. 4.  Appointments; convening of task force.  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 task force.  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 task force to meet and conduct its business; and be it further 
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the task force shall address the rising cost of 
special education and the maintenance of high-quality services that accommodate the 
needs of all children by identifying cost drivers and recommending innovative 
approaches to serving students; and be it further 
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That the Legislative Council shall provide 
necessary staffing services to the task force; and be it further  
Sec. 7.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than December 6, 2017, the task force 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve establishes the Task Force To Identify Special Education Cost Drivers 
and Innovative Approaches to Services.