Resolve, Establishing the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Instituting Testing for Sports-related Head Injuries

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 Committee To Study the Feasibility of Instituting Testing for Sports-related Head Injuries is created in this resolve and must issue its findings and report by December 2, 2009; 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. Committee established. Resolved: That the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Instituting Testing for Sports-related Head Injuries, referred to in this resolve as "the committee," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Committee membership. Resolved: That the committee consists of 13 members appointed as follows:

1. Three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

3. Six members appointed by the Governor as follows:

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the committee; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of committee. 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 committee, which must be no later than August 1, 2009; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the committee shall:

1. Study the feasibility of instituting ImPACT™ tests as developed by ImPACT Applications, Inc.; and

2. Review concussion management and whether the ImPACT™ tests are suitable for use in this State; and be it further

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

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 2, 2009, the committee 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 Health and Human Services 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 Committee To Study the Feasibility of Instituting Testing for Sports-related Head Injuries.