An Act Regarding Final Enactment of the State Budget

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 legislation needs to be effective prior to the enactment by the Legislature of the 2017-2019 biennial budget; 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. 5 MRSA §1666-B  is enacted to read:

§ 1666-B.  Delay of enactment of budget

Notwithstanding section 1666-A, the Legislature may not finally enact a biennial or supplemental budget sooner than 3 calendar days following the report of that budget from the joint standing committee having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs.

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

SUMMARY

This bill requires at least 3 calendar days to have elapsed between the day the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs reports out a biennial or supplemental budget and when that budget is finally enacted by the Legislature.