An Act To Address Funding Needs Related to COVID-19
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 90-day period may not terminate until after the beginning of the next fiscal year; and
Whereas, certain obligations and expenses incident to the operation of state departments and institutions will become due and payable immediately; 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. Transfer; Reserve for General Fund Operating Capital to a COVID-19 response fund. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the State Controller may transfer up to $11,000,000 from the balance available in the Reserve for General Fund Operating Capital to a COVID-19 response fund established by the State Controller to address funding needs related to the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, through January 15, 2021. Amounts transferred may be expended based on allotment established by financial order approved by the State Budget Officer and the Governor. The amounts transferred are considered adjustments to appropriations. The Governor shall inform the Legislative Council and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs immediately upon such a transfer from the Reserve for General Fund Operating Capital. Any remaining balance in the COVID-19 response fund on January 16, 2021 must be transferred by the State Controller to the Reserve for General Fund Operating Capital.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes transfers from the Reserve for General Fund Operating Capital to a COVID-19 response fund in order to address funding needs associated with COVID-19 through January 15, 2021.