An Act Regarding the Pay of Tribal Representatives

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

Whereas,  under current law Tribal Representatives to the Maine Legislature are not considered members of the House of Representatives for purposes of compensation; and

Whereas,  this legislation amends the law to compensate Tribal Representatives in the same manner as other members of the House of Representatives; and

Whereas,  it is necessary that this change be implemented immediately; 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,

Sec. 1. 3 MRSA §2, 8th ¶,  as amended by PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. O, §4; c. 600, Pt. B, §§9 and 10; and c. 878, Pt. D, §§14 and 15, is further amended to read:

The For purposes of this section, "member of the House of Representatives" includes the member of the Penobscot Indian Nation and the member of the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe elected to represent their tribes at the Legislature shall receive a compensation of $110 for each day's attendance during the first and 2nd regular sessions and allowance for meals, constituent service, housing and travel expenses as any other member of the Senate and House of Representatives for attendance at each legislative session. For the duration of any special session of the Legislature, they shall receive the same allowances, including housing, meal and travel expenses, as any other member of the Senate and House of Representatives.

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

SUMMARY

This bill provides that the Tribal Representatives elected to the House are considered House members for compensation and other purposes.