131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1517 LR 2215(03)
An Act to Establish the Social Equity Program
Fiscal Note for Bill as Engrossed with:
C "A" (H-979)
Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Projections  FY 2025-26 Projections  FY 2026-27
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $517,142 $392,943 $170,918
Transfers
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $0 $0 $0
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill includes Other Special Revenue Funds allocations totaling $517,142 in fiscal year 2024-25 for the costs associated with implementing the requirements of this legislation.
Of this amount, a one-time Other Special Revenue Funds allocation to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services of $128,307 in fiscal year 2024-25 is included for a Cannabis Business Advocate position effective from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2026 to assist businesses participating in the Cannabis Legalization Act and the Maine Medical Use Cannabis Act.   
Additionally, an ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $300,000 in fiscal year 2024-25 to a newly created Social Equity Program within the Department of Economic and Community Development is included for the costs associated with implementing and administering a program to increase workforce development programs and provide support to businesses owned by or individuals who are members of impacted communities. The department will require ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $150,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2025-26 for the ongoing costs of the program. Transfers of $300,000 in fiscal year 2024-25 and $150,000 per year thereafter are provided from the Adult Use Cannabis Public Health and Safety Municipal Opt-In Fund to fund the allocations.
Finally, a one-time Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $88,835 in fiscal year 2024-25 to the Maine Apprenticeship Program within the Department of Labor is included to establish one limited-period CareerCenter Consultant position effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2026 to increase access to workforce development opportunities for impacted communities. The department will require Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $99,163 in fiscal year 2025-26 and $8,533 in fiscal year 2026-27 to support the cost of the position through July of 2026.  Corresponding transfers are provided from the Adult Use Cannabis Public Health and Safety Municipal Opt-In Fund to fund the allocations.