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 committee; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That legislative members of the committee are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the committee. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the committee; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 15, 2004, the committee shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature. The committee is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature at the time of submission of its report; and be it further

Sec. 9. Extension. Resolved: That, if the committee requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further

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