Resolve, To Implement Select Recommendations of the Joint Select Committee on Future Maine Prosperity

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Joint Select Committee on Future Maine Prosperity issued its final report in January 2008; and

Whereas,  the committee's report recommended a wide variety of strategies and actions designed to improve the State's economy and support greater prosperity for all citizens of the State; and

Whereas,  the committee's report specifically called for an improved business climate in the State; and

Whereas,  the committee's report acknowledged that it was critical that state agencies work to improve relationships with the business community and eliminate adversarial relationships; and

Whereas,  the committee's report specifically recommended that the Governor direct all state agencies to reinvent themselves and how they interact with businesses in the State in order to provide a consistent, efficient and effective regulatory environment; and

Whereas,  the committee's report called for regulatory reform that achieves goals in a manner that minimizes unnecessary and unproductive conflicts and redundancies for the regulated community; and

Whereas,  this resolve needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order for the report required in this legislation to be completed in a timely fashion; 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 Improve the Business Climate, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the commission consists of 8 members appointed as follows:

1. One Senator appointed by the President of the Senate;

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

3. The chairs of the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development; and

4. Four members from state agencies that regulate the business community, including one member from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and one member from the Department of Economic and Community Development, appointed by the Governor; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the chairs of the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development are the chairs of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission, which must be no later than 30 days after the appointments; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study all aspects of advancing the State's business climate through improving the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of the State's regulatory systems, as well as improving the relationships between regulators and the regulated community; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 1, 2010, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development is authorized to introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature upon receipt of the report.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Commission To Improve the Business Climate in order to study all aspects of advancing the State's business climate through improving the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of the State's regulatory systems, as well as improving the relationships between regulators and the regulated community

The commission is required to submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development is authorized to introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.