122nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1518		LR 0142(02)
	An Act to Increase Access to Justice in Maine's Court System
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
	Committee: Judiciary
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
					Projections	Projections
			2005-06	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$720,035	$1,269,017	$1,300,721	$1,333,239
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$720,035	$1,269,017	$1,300,721	$1,333,239
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation establishes a Business and Consumer Specialized Civil Docket pilot project as well as a Business and Consumer Specialized Civil Docket Advisory Committee within the Maine court system.  Additional General Fund appropriations of $719,195 in fiscal year 2005-06 and $1,268,177 in fiscal year 2006-07 to the Judicial Department are included to administer the proposed pilot project. This appropriation will provide funds for an additional 15 positions and related costs.  The costs of participation in the Business and Consumer Specialized Civil Docket Advisory Committee can be absorbed within the department's current resources.
	This legislation also includes a General Fund appropriation to the Legislature in the amount of $840 in fiscal year 2005-06, fiscal year 2006-07 and fiscal year 2007-08.  This appropriation will provide funds for the costs of paying the per diem and expenses of the legislative members of the Business and Consumer Specialized Civil Docket Advisory Committee.