An Act To Set Aside Funds from Federal Block Grants for Certain Communities”
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1134
Committee Amendment CA_B_H838 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT “      ” to H.P. 823, L.D. 1134, Bill, “An Act To Set 
Aside Funds from Federal Block Grants for Certain Communities”
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following:
'Resolve, To Direct the Department of Health and Human Services To Enter into a 
Memorandum of Understanding with the Federally Recognized Indian Nations, 
Tribes and Bands in the State Regarding Block Grant Funds' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and inserting the following:
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, block grant funds received from the Federal Government provide 
essential health and other services to the people of Maine; and
Whereas, ensuring the coordination as soon as possible between the Department of 
Health and Human Services and the federally recognized Indian nations, tribes and bands 
in the State in the receipt and distribution of federal block grant funds is essential to 
ensure the delivery of appropriate health and other services in as timely a manner as 
possible; 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.  Department of Health and Human Services to enter into a 
memorandum of understanding.  Resolved:  That the Department of Health and 
Human Services shall reengage in a dialogue with representatives from the federally 
recognized Indian nations, tribes and bands in the State to define and implement 
meaningful tribal consultation for all block grants received by the State.  No later than 90 
days after the effective date of this legislation, the department shall enter into a 
Date: 
(Filing No. H-          )
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT “      ” to H.P. 823, L.D. 1134
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
memorandum of understanding with the federally recognized Indian nations, tribes and 
bands in the State regarding block grant funds.
Sec. 2.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than January 31, 2021, the Department 
of Health and Human Services shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the 
Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters on the status of 
the memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to section 1.  The committee 
may report out legislation relating to this report to the First Regular Session of the 130th 
Legislature.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.' 
SUMMARY
This amendment, which is the minority report of the committee, replaces the bill with 
a resolve.  It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to, no later than 90 
days after the effective date of this legislation, enter into a memorandum of understanding 
with the federally recognized Indian nations, tribes and bands in the State to define and 
implement meaningful tribal consultation for all block grants received by the State.  It 
also requires the department to report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature 
having jurisdiction over health and human services matters on the status of the 
memorandum of understanding no later than January 31, 2021.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)
Approved: 03/14/20
LD 1134
LR 1964(03)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The Department of Health and Human Services is required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 
with the recognized Indian nations, tribes and bands regarding Federal Block Grant funding. If the MOU identifies a 
higher portion of Federal Block Grant funds to go to the Indian nations, tribes and bands than they currently receive, 
then the remaining Federal Block Grant funds may not be sufficient to accomplish their current purposes. If those 
purposes and programs are not modified to acccount for a reduction in expenditures, General Fund appropriations 
may be needed to supplement the federal resources.
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund
An Act To Set Aside Funds from Federal Block Grants for Certain Communities
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
LR1964(03) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1