Whereas, individuals in need of assistance from the Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation may be deterred from seeking that assistance by prohibitive costs of toll telephone calls; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §1082, sub-§15 is enacted to read:

15.__Toll-free telephone line.__The commissioner shall ensure that the bureau maintains and provides appropriate staff to monitor a toll-free telephone line to direct individuals to the appropriate resources and personnel within the bureau.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor to ensure that the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation maintains and provides appropriate staff to monitor a toll-free telephone line to direct individuals to the appropriate resources and personnel within the bureau.