Whereas, this resolve establishes the Task Force to Study the Needs of Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Children and Adolescents; and

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. Task force established. Resolved: That the Task Force to Study the Needs of Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Children and Adolescents, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership. Resolved: That the task force consists of 12 members appointed as follows:

1. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. Five members appointed by the Governor as follows:

A. A behavioral health service provider providing specialized services for deaf or hard-of-hearing youths;

B. A behavioral health service provider not serving deaf or hard-of-hearing youths;

C. A parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing youth;

D. A representative of a hospital with an inpatient psychiatric unit; and

E. A representative of a public school district;

4. The Commissioner of Human Services, or the commissioner's designee;