125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 113 LR 79(01)
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Provide 4-year Terms and a Term Limit of 2 Terms for Legislators
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Cebra of Naples
Committee: State and Local Government
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Potential future biennium savings - Other Special Revenue Funds
Potential Undetermined Net Impact - General Fund
Referendum Costs Month/Year Election Type Question Length
Nov-11 General Referendum Standard
The Secretary of State's budget includes sufficient funds to accommodate one ballot of average length for the general election in November.  If the number or size of the referendum questions requires production and delivery of a second ballot, an additional appropriation of $107,250 may be required.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
If approved by the voters, this constitutional amendment would increase legislative terms from 2 to 4 years.  This change will result in an Other Special Revenue Funds savings of $3,190,570 in fiscal year 2013-14 and $1,131,467 in fiscal year 2014-15 to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices due to eliminating the 2014 legislative election.  This estimate assumes initial payment amounts to qualifying candidates will increase by 4% each election.
Other Special Revenue Funds revenue to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will decrease by $147,250 in fiscal year 2013-14 due to eliminating the 2014 legislative election.  
The impact on the Legislature and its operating costs will depend on future statutory changes to the limitations on the third and fourth years of each Legislature under 4-year terms.