Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study Children's Mental Health
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 0040
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: MADIGAN, BELLOWS, AUSTIN, COLLINGS, DENNO, DOORE, HYMANSON, MEYER

Legislative Document
No. 40
H.P. 41
House of Representatives, January 9, 2019
Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study Children's Mental 
Health
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville.
Cosponsored by Senator BELLOWS of Kennebec and
Representatives: AUSTIN of Skowhegan, COLLINGS of Portland, DENNO of Cumberland, 
DOORE of Augusta, HYMANSON of York, MEYER of Eliot.
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 Children's Mental 
Health to study the mental health of children in the State and federal and state laws, 
regulations, rules and policies governing the diagnosis and treatment of children with 
mental health issues; 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 
Children's Mental Health, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established.
Sec. 2.  Commission membership.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the commission consists of 11 members appointed as follows:
1.  Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including a 
member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;
2.  Two 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.  Two parents of children with mental health issues, one appointed by the President 
of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House;
4.  Three representatives of providers of mental health services to children in the 
State, 2 appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the 
House;
5.  The Commissioner of Health and Human Services or the commissioner's designee; 
and
6.  The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee.
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 the mental health of 
children in the State and federal and state laws, regulations, rules and policies governing 
the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health issues in the State.
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That the Department of Health and Human 
Services shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission.
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 Children's Mental Health to study 
the mental health of children in the State and federal and state laws, regulations, rules and 
policies governing the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health issues.