CHAPTER 458

S.P. 443 - L.D. 1263

An Act To Contain Costs, Reduce Paperwork and Streamline

the Regulatory Process for Maine's Small Businesses

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §57 is enacted to read:

§57. Maine Regulatory Fairness Board established

The Maine Regulatory Fairness Board, referred to in this section as "the board," is established to hear testimony and to report to the Legislature and the Governor at least annually on regulatory and statutory changes necessary to enhance the State's business climate.

1.__Membership.__The board consists of 7 members who are owners, operators or officers of businesses operating in every region of the State, as follows:

A.__One member appointed by the President of the Senate;

B.__One member appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

C.__Five members appointed by the Governor, at least 2 of whom must represent businesses with fewer than 50 employees and at least 2 of whom must represent businesses with fewer than 20 employees.__Prior to making these appointments final, the Governor or the Governor's designee shall present the appointments to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business, research and economic development matters.