Resolve, To Study Using Blockchain Technology in Conjunction with Paper Ballots in Maine Elections
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 0950
Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs
Sponsors: BRAKEY, MASON

Legislative Document
No. 950
S.P. 305
In Senate, March 9, 2017
Resolve, To Study Using Blockchain Technology in Conjunction 
with Paper Ballots in Maine Elections
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs suggested and ordered printed.
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator BRAKEY of Androscoggin.
Cosponsored by Senator: MASON of Androscoggin.
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 Study Using Blockchain 
Technology in Conjunction with Paper Ballots in Maine Elections; 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.  Commission established.  Resolved:  That the Commission to Study 
Using Blockchain Technology in Conjunction with Paper Ballots in Maine Elections, 
referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further 
Sec. 2.  Commission membership.  Resolved:  That the commission consists of 
the following members: 
1.  Four members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including 
members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature; 
2.  Five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the 
House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats 
in the Legislature; 
3. The Secretary of State or the Secretary of State's designee; and 
4. The Attorney General or the Attorney General's 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 study the potential uses for 
blockchain technology to support and enhance Maine's current paper ballot election 
system for the purpose of improving paper ballot security, increasing election 
transparency and reducing costs; 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 6, 2017, the commission 
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 Commission to Study Using Blockchain Technology in 
Conjunction with Paper Ballots in Maine Elections.