Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission To Continue Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 2036

Legislative Document
No. 2036
H.P. 1446
House of Representatives, January 14, 2020
Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission To Continue 
Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's 
Transportation Systems
(EMERGENCY)
Reported by Representative McLEAN of Gorham for the Joint Standing Committee on 
Transportation pursuant to Resolve 2019, chapter 97, section 7.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, Resolve 2019, chapter 97 established the Blue Ribbon Commission To 
Study and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State’s Transportation Systems, which 
found that due to the complexity and importance of the subject matter it needed more 
time to adequately consider the issues before providing a recommendation to the Joint 
Standing Committee on Transportation; and
Whereas, this legislation establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission To Continue 
Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems; and
Whereas, it is necessary to immediately continue the work started by the previous 
commission in order that a recommendation may be submitted to the Joint Standing 
Committee on Transportation and be acted upon before the end of the Second Regular 
Session of the 129th Legislature; 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 Blue Ribbon Commission 
To Continue Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation 
Systems, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established.
Sec. 2.  Commission membership. Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the 15 members and chairs appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission To Study and 
Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems, established 
pursuant to Resolve 2019, chapter 97 and referred to in this resolve as "the previous 
commission," serve as the members and chairs of the commission.
Sec. 3.  Duties. Resolved:  That the commission shall continue the work of the 
previous commission to study how to reform and adequately supplement funding for the 
State's transportation infrastructure to promote equity, sustainability and predictability so 
that the State can responsibly provide safe and reliable state transportation systems.  The 
commission shall continue to focus on funding the state highway and bridge system and 
shall also develop findings or recommendations on the need and potential funding 
solutions for multimodal transportation infrastructure. Specific study topics may include, 
but are not limited to, those listed in Resolve 2019, chapter 97, section 5.
The commission shall meet up to 4 times over the course of the Second Regular 
Session of the 129th Legislature and may hold public hearings and review 
recommendations from the people of the State and qualified experts when appropriate.  
The chairs may also provide the opportunity for knowledgeable stakeholders to submit 
written comments throughout the study process and to provide oral testimony on the 
commission's draft recommendations.
Sec. 4.  Staff assistance. Resolved:  That the Department of Transportation shall 
provide necessary staffing services to the commission, and the Office of Policy and Legal 
Analysis shall provide drafting assistance for any legislation proposed by the 
commission.
Sec. 5.  Report. Resolved:  That, no later than March 5, 2020, the commission 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
legislation, for presentation to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.  The Joint 
Standing Committee on Transportation may submit legislation for presentation to the 
Sec. 6.  Appropriations and allocations.  Resolved:  That the following 
appropriations and allocations are made.
LEGISLATURE
Study Commissions - Funding 0444
Initiative: Allocates funds on a one-time basis for the costs to the Legislature of 
Legislators participating in the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission To Continue 
Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve is reported by the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation pursuant 
to Resolve 2019, chapter 97, section 7 to implement the recommendation of the Blue 
Ribbon Commission To Study and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's 
Transportation Systems.  This resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission To 
Continue Studying and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation 
Systems to continue the work of studying funding solutions for the State's transportation 
systems as recommended by the report of the previous commission created by Resolve 
2019, chapter 97.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)
HIGHWAY FUND
2019-20
2020-21
All Other
$1,960
$0
HIGHWAY FUND TOTAL
$1,960
$0
Approved: 01/09/20
LD 2036     
LR 3139(01)
FY 2019-20
FY 2020-21
Projections 
FY 2021-22
Projections 
FY 2022-23
Net Cost (Savings)
Highway Fund
$1,960
$0
$0
$0
Appropriations/Allocations
Highway Fund
$1,960
$0
$0
$0
Legislative Cost/Study
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study
Provides a one-time Highway Fund allocation of $1,960 in fiscal year 2019-20 for the costs to the Legislature of 
legislators participating in the work of the Blue-Ribbon Commission to Continue Studying and Recommend Funding 
Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems. Additional costs to the Department of Transportation and the Maine 
Turnpike Authority associated with serving on the commission can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. 
Additional costs to the Department of Transportation for providing staffing services for the commission are expected 
to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission To Continue Studying and Recommend Funding 
Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Committee: Transportation
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
LR3139(01) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1