An Act to Expand the Membership of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 0794
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: VITELLI, CLOUTIER, DAUGHTRY, PIERCE, RAFFERTY, ROTUNDO, CLUCHEY, JAUCH, O'NEIL, TERRY
Amends: 5 MRSA §7030

Legislative Document
No. 794
S.P. 353
In Senate, February 21, 2023
An Act to Expand the Membership of the Permanent Commission 
on the Status of Women
Reference to the Committee on State and Local Government suggested and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator VITELLI of Sagadahoc.
Cosponsored by Representative CLOUTIER of Lewiston and
Senators: DAUGHTRY of Cumberland, PIERCE of Cumberland, RAFFERTY of York, 
ROTUNDO of Androscoggin, Representatives: CLUCHEY of Bowdoinham, JAUCH of 
Topsham, O'NEIL of Saco, TERRY of Gorham.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §7030, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 191, §1, is amended to read:
§7030.  Membership
The commission consists of 17 19 members, including 7 9 appointed by the Governor, 
appointed by the President of the Senate and 5 appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives.  In making these appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate 
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall consider and appoint residents of the 
State who have a knowledge of problems facing women in the State, who have experience 
in advocacy relating to women's issues and who provide leadership in programs or activities 
that improve opportunities for women.  The members of the commission must be chosen 
from throughout the State, and the majority of members must be women.  A member of the 
Legislature may not be appointed to the commission.  The Governor shall appoint 7 8 
members, each of whom represents one of the following interests: minorities, the elderly, 
Black people, indigenous people and people of color; older residents of the State; low-
income people,; persons with disabilities,; youth,; persons working with victims survivors 
of domestic violence and; federally recognized Indian nations, tribes and bands in the State; 
and LGBTQIA+ persons.  The Governor also shall appoint a member who is a person who 
has not attained 25 years of age.
For purposes of this section, "LGBTQIA+" includes, but is not limited to, persons who 
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex or asexual.
Sec. 2.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made.
SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF
Bureau of Administrative Services and Corporations 0692
Initiative: Establishes one Public Service Coordinator I position within the Department of 
the Secretary of State to serve as executive director of the Permanent Commission on the 
Status of Women and provides funding for All Other costs.
GENERAL FUND
2023-24
2024-25
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
1.000
1.000
Personal Services
$113,173
$119,343
All Other
$86,827
$80,657
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$200,000
$200,000
SUMMARY
This bill increases the membership of the Permanent Commission on the Status of 
Women from 17 members to 19 members and requires that the Governor appoint the 2 
additional members, with one member representing the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
transgender, queer, questioning, intersex or asexual persons and one member a person who 
has not attained 25 years of age.  The bill also updates terminology describing other 
appointees and provides funding for one Public Service Coordinator I position to serve as 
executive director of the commission.