Resolve, Directing the University of Maine System To Study the Potential Effects of the State Adopting Atlantic Standard Time
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 0826
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: BENNETT, KESSLER

Legislative Document
No. 826
S.P. 259
In Senate, March 5, 2021
Resolve, Directing the University of Maine System To Study the 
Potential Effects of the State Adopting Atlantic Standard Time
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator BENNETT of Oxford.
Cosponsored by Representative KESSLER of South Portland.
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 requires the University of Maine System to study and analyze 
the potential effects on the State's economy of the State adopting permanent Atlantic 
Standard Time and determine if that adoption will serve the convenience of commerce as 
required by the United States Department of Transportation; and
Whereas, the study is funded through private donations to the University of Maine 
System, and funding 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.  Permanent Atlantic Standard Time study and analysis.  Resolved:  
That the University of Maine System shall study and analyze the potential effects on the 
State's economy of the State adopting permanent Atlantic Standard Time and determine if 
that adoption will serve the convenience of commerce as required by the United States 
Department of Transportation.  In conducting the study, the University of Maine System 
shall examine:
1.  The current effects of the practice of setting clocks forward and backward, including 
but not limited to physical health, mental health and economic effects as determined by 
both scientific research and public opinion; and
2.  Whether adopting permanent Atlantic Standard Time will negatively affect business 
shipping and receiving of goods and products; the ability of residents to receive important 
television and radio broadcasts and timely news and information; bus, passenger rail and 
airline services across time zones; residents who engage in work, schooling, recreation, 
health care or religious worship outside of the State's time zone; major elements of the 
State's economy; and any current federal, state or local plans for economic development.
Funding for the study must be through private donations to the University of Maine 
System.
Sec. 2.  Report.  Resolved:  That, by December 31, 2021, the University of Maine 
System shall submit a report, including suggested legislation, based on its study and 
analysis in section 1 to the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, 
Economic Advancement and Business.  The committee is authorized to submit legislation 
related to the report to the Second 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 resolve directs the University of Maine System to study and analyze the potential 
effects on the State's economy of the State adopting permanent Atlantic Standard Time and 
determine if that adoption will serve the convenience of commerce as required by the 
United States Department of Transportation.  The University of Maine System is required 
to fund the study through private donations and to submit a report with suggested legislation 
by December 31, 2021 to the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, 
Economic Advancement and Business, which may submit legislation to the Second 
Regular Session of the 130th Legislature.