Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Study and Recommend a Minimum Age for Participation in Tackle Football
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 0711
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: BRENNAN, VITELLI, CRAVEN, FARNSWORTH, FECTEAU, KORNFIELD, PERRY, PIERCE, RECKITT, MILLETT

Legislative Document
No. 711
H.P. 516
House of Representatives, February 11, 2019
Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Study and Recommend a 
Minimum Age for Participation in Tackle Football
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator VITELLI of Sagadahoc and
Representatives: CRAVEN of Lewiston, FARNSWORTH of Portland, FECTEAU of 
Biddeford, KORNFIELD of Bangor, PERRY of Calais, PIERCE of Falmouth, RECKITT of 
South Portland, Senator: 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, this legislation establishes the Commission To Study and Recommend a 
Minimum Age for Participation in Tackle Football; 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 
and Recommend a Minimum Age for Participation in Tackle Football, referred to in this 
resolve as "the commission," is established.
Sec. 2.  Commission membership.  Resolved:  That the commission consists of 
members appointed as follows:
1.  Three 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.  Four 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.  A representative of the Maine School Superintendents Association, appointed by 
the President of the Senate;
4.  A representative of the Maine Principals' Association, appointed by the Speaker of 
the House;
5.  A representative of the Maine Athletic Trainers' Association, appointed by the 
President of the Senate; and
6.  Three members of the public, 2 members appointed by the President of the Senate 
and one member appointed by the Speaker of the House.
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.
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.
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the commission shall study and recommend a 
minimum age at which a person may participate in tackle football.
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That the Legislative Council shall provide 
necessary staffing services to the commission, except that Legislative Council staff 
support is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session.
Sec. 7.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than December 4, 2019, the commission 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 129th 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 and Recommend a Minimum Age 
for Participation in Tackle Football.   The commission is required to submit a report, 
including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 
129th Legislature.