Whereas, this legislation establishes the Commission To Study Methods To Improve Ballot Access; 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. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission To Study Methods To Improve Ballot Access, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 15 members appointed as follows:

1. Four members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate. When making the appointments, the President of the Senate shall give preference to members from the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs;

2. Four members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. When making the appointments, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall give preference to members from the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs;

3. A representative of the Maine Democratic Party, appointed by the President of the Senate;

4. A representative of the Maine Republican Party, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. A representative of the Maine Green Independent Party, appointed by the President of the Senate;

6. A representative of the Libertarian Party of Maine, appointed by the Speaker of the House;