Whereas, access to public records and public proceedings by the people is essential to successful democracy, and the freedom of access to the public records and proceedings is governed by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, sections 401 to 410; and

Whereas, a study done in 2002 revealed that citizens' access to public records is often restricted in contravention of law; and

Whereas, citizens would benefit from an immediate comprehensive study of issues relating to state and municipal compliance with the freedom of access laws and to ensuring complete compliance with the laws; 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. Committee established. Resolved: That the Committee to Study Compliance with Maine's Freedom of Access laws, referred to in this resolve as "the committee," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Committee membership. Resolved: That the committee consists of 12 members appointed as follows:

1. One member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. One member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. One member representing the Maine Press Association, appointed by the President of the Senate;

4. One member representing the Maine Daily Newspapers Publishers Association, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. One member representing the Maine Municipal Association, appointed by the Governor;

6. One member representing the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, appointed by the Governor;