131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1862		LR 1459(01)
	An Act to Restore Balanced Powers During a State of Emergency
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. White of Guilford
	Committee: State and Local Government
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Legislative Cost/Study
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill requires a 2/3 vote of the Legislature to extend a state of emergency that is to be in effect for longer than 30 days.  It also requires a 2/3 vote of the Legislature to approve extensions of an order that is to be in effect for longer than 90 days following the declaration of a state of emergency.  The Legislature’s baseline budget for 2024-2025 includes funds for the Legislature to meet in special session on 2 days each fiscal year following the applicable statutory deadline.  Whether or not there are sufficient funds to cover the cost of holding a special session for the purpose of extending a state of emergency or approving extensions to an order that is to be in effect for longer than 90 days will depend on the number of times the Legislature is required to convene in special session during the interim.
	The bill further requires approval by a 2/3 vote of the Legislative Council for statewide evacuations, limitations on the occupancy of premises that would have a substantial impact on the operation of businesses and actions to abate, clean up or mitigate a danger if the actions would result in the temporary or permanent closure of any businesses or civic or religious organizations.  The Legislature’s baseline budget for 2024-2025 includes funds for the Legislative Council to meet several times throughout the year.  Whether or not there are sufficient funds to cover the cost of meetings held for these purposes will depend on the number of times the Legislative Council is required to meet each year.