Resolve, To Create the Task Force on Public-private Partnerships To Support Public Education

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

Whereas,  this resolve establishes the Task Force on Public-private Partnerships To Support Public Education to conduct a comprehensive study of available public-private funding models to support public education; 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. Task force established. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the Task Force on Public-private Partnerships To Support Public Education, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership. Resolved: That the task force consists of 12 members appointed as follows:

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

2. Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, including a member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;

3. Four members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows:

4. Four members appointed by the Speaker of the House as follows:

5. The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee.

Prior to making an appointment to the task force pursuant to subsection 3, paragraph D, the President of the Senate shall seek nominations from the Maine Principals' Association. The President of the Senate shall request the Maine Principals' Association to survey its members for a recommended nomination; and be it further

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

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of task force. 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. After appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the task force. If 30 days or more after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the task force to meet and conduct its business; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall meet 4 times in order to conduct a comprehensive study on performance-based contracting and social impact partnerships for public education. In performing its work, the task force shall research the various aspects of the issues related to using performance-based contracting and social impact partnerships to support public education. The task force shall make recommendations regarding the viability of implementing performance-based contracting and social impact partnerships with private and governmental entities to support public education; and be it further

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

Sec. 7. Outside funding. Resolved: That the task force shall seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the task force. All funding is subject to approval by the Legislative Council in accordance with its policies. If sufficient contributions to fund the task force have not been received within 30 days after the effective date of this resolve, no meetings are authorized and no expenses of any kind may be incurred or reimbursed; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 15, 2017, the task force shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs may report out a bill to the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.

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