132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1023 LR 2011(02)
Resolve, to Reestablish and Continue the Work of the Blue Economy Task Force
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Housing and Economic Development
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study
FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 Projections  FY 2027-28 Projections  FY 2028-29
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $100,000 $0 $0 $0
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $100,000 $0 $0 $0
Other Special Revenue Funds $500 $500 $500 $500
Legislative Cost/Study
The general operating expenses of this study are projected to be $2,100 in fiscal year 2025-26. The Legislature’s proposed budget for the 2026-2027 biennium includes $22,196 in each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for the costs of legislative studies, as well as $8,265 in projected balances from fiscal year 2024-25 and $33,073 of balances carried over from prior years for this purpose. Whether these amounts are sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature. 
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill includes a one-time General Fund appropriation to the Maine Technology Capacity Fund within the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide matching funds in support of blue economy-related research, economic development and education and training.  This bill also includes ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds base allocations of $500 per year beginning in fiscal year 2025-26 to the Blue Economy Task Force to authorize the expenditure of any monies received from public and private sources.
Any additional costs to the other various agencies affected by the provisions of this bill are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.