125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 329		LR 677(01)
	RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Elect State Senators by County
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Sirocki of Scarborough
	Committee: State and Local Government
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund Potential future biennium savings - General Fund Potential future biennium savings - Other Special Revenue Funds
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 reduce the Senate membership from 35 to 32 members beginning with the 2015 Legislature.  This reduction would result in General Fund savings to the Legislature associated with 3 fewer Senators.  The projected future savings for the legislative biennium are estimated to be $129,677 in fiscal year 2014-15 and $111,011 in fiscal year 2015-16.  Some of these savings may be offset with one-time costs to renovate the Senate Chamber, which would depend on the extent of the renovation decided by the Legislative Council.
	This reduction would result in Other Special Revenue Funds savings of $150,986 in fiscal year 2013-14 to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices due to reduced payments to qualifying candidates.  This estimate assumes that there will be an increase in contested primary races in 2014 from the normal redistricting already occurring in 2013.  It also 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 would also decrease by $6,125 in fiscal year 2013-14 due to a reduction in qualifying contributions collected by participating candidates.