Resolve, to Create the Commission to Study the Operations of the Maine Legislature
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 1067
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: STEWART, BALDACCI, BENNETT, JACKSON, LYFORD, FAULKINGHAM, MILLETT, TERRY

Legislative Document
No. 1067
S.P. 436
In Senate, March 7, 2023
Resolve, to Create the Commission to Study the Operations of the 
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator STEWART of Aroostook.
Cosponsored by Senators: BALDACCI of Penobscot, BENNETT of Oxford, President 
JACKSON of Aroostook, LYFORD of Penobscot, Representatives: FAULKINGHAM of 
Winter Harbor, MILLETT of Waterford, TERRY of Gorham.
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 the Operations of the 
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 the 
Operations of the Maine Legislature, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is 
established.
Sec. 2.  Commission membership.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the commission consists of 12 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 a member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats 
in the Legislature;
3.  Two members who are registered to lobby in the State, including one member 
appointed by the leaders of the party holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature 
and one member appointed by the leaders of the party holding the 2nd largest number of 
seats in the Legislature;
4.  Two public members recommended by a statewide organization that represents local 
labor unions, appointed by the Governor;
5.  Two public members recommended by a statewide organization that advocates for 
the creation and preservation of jobs that create economic value or bring money into the 
State, appointed by the Governor; and
6.  Two public members who represent the interests of small businesses and working 
families, appointed by the Governor.
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the first-named 
public member recommended by a statewide organization that represents local labor unions 
and the first-named public member recommended by a statewide organization that 
advocates for the creation and preservation of jobs that create economic value or bring 
money into the State shall serve as cochairs 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 existing structure 
and operations of the Maine Legislature for the purposes of determining its adequacy and 
effectiveness and identifying changes to the Legislature that could improve efficiency, 
provide better information to inform decisions, help prioritize legislative activity and 
reinforce political trust and support in State Government.  In its work, the commission shall 
consider, but is not limited to considering, the following elements:
1.  The size of the Legislature;
2.  The number of terms for members of the Legislature;
3.  The frequency of elections for members of the Legislature;
4.  The number of bills introduced each session;
5.  The prioritization of legislation;
6.  The roles and responsibilities of legislative leadership;
7.  The determination of legislative districts during the reapportionment process;
8.  The training and education of Legislators and legislative staff;
9.  The committee assignment process;
10.  The rules for testimony;
11.  The use of policy research and data in the legislative process;
12.  The process for transparency in the Legislature;
13.  The adoption of a legislative strategic plan;
14.  The inclusion of economic impact statements on legislation; and
15.  The process for forming and approving the state budget.
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, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, no later than 
December 6, 2023, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and 
recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular 
Session of the 131st Legislature.  If the commission is unable to agree on all 
recommendations, the commission may issue both a majority report and a minority report.
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 the Operations of the Maine 
Legislature.