Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall study parenting alienation syndrome and related issues.

1. In conducting the study, the task force shall examine the following topics:

A. Caseloads for Department of Human Services case workers, the court system and guardians ad litem;

B. Delays in investigations of a custodial parent;

C. Evasion by the custodial parent of investigation of that custodial parent; and

D. Custody issues in domestic violence situations.

2. In examining these topics, the task force may:

A. Hold informational sessions for discussions with knowledgeable persons;

B. Conduct, summarize and analyze the results of a literature search;

C. Conduct, tabulate and analyze the results of a survey of the public or affected persons and groups;

D. Procure and analyze relevant data;

E. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on legal questions within the scope of the study; and

F. Determine and summarize the legislative actions or governmental programs undertaken in other jurisdictions related to issues within the scope of the study.

3. The task force shall invite the court system to participate in the task force's examination; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the task force; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the task force who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3,

section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force. Other members of the task force who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the task force shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature no later than January 15, 2002; and be it further

Sec. 9. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the task force, with assistance from the task force staff, shall administer the task force's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the task force shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The task force may not incur expenses that would result in the task force exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the task force, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the task force chairs and staff with a status report on the task force's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes a task force to study parent alienation syndrome and related issues of custodial parents, the Department of Human Services and domestic violence.