CHAPTER 76
H.P. 989 - L.D. 1343
Resolve, To Create the Task Force To Study Parity and Portability of Retirement Benefits for State Law Enforcement Officers, Municipal and County Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters
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 to Study Parity and Portability of Retirement Benefits for State Law Enforcement Officers, Municipal and County Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters; and
Whereas, this resolve is necessary as an emergency measure to afford adequate time for the issues to be appropriately addressed by the task force; 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 the Task Force to Study Parity and Portability of Retirement Benefits for State Law Enforcement Officers, Municipal and County Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters, 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 8 members appointed as follows:
1. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate. When making the appointments, the President of the Senate shall give preference to members who serve on the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government, the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety or the Joint Standing Committee on Labor;
2. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
3. Four members appointed as follows:
A. One member representing municipal law enforcement officers, appointed by the President of the Senate;
B. One member representing municipal firefighters, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
C. One member representing county law enforcement officers, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
D. One member representing state law enforcement officers, including employees of the Office of the State Fire Marshal who have law enforcement powers, appointed by the President of the Senate; and be it further
Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair of the task force 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; meetings. 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. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the task force. The task force may hold up to 4 meetings; and be it further
Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall examine the following issues concerning retirement and health insurance benefits for state, county and municipal law enforcement officers and firefighters:
1. Review the differences in retirement benefits provided to state law enforcement officers, county law enforcement officers and municipal law enforcement officers;
2. Develop options for providing parity in benefits and for increasing portability of benefits for law enforcement officers who move between state, county and municipal employment, including employment in the Office of the State Fire Marshal, or those who change municipal or county employers; and
3. Review the differences among retirement and health insurance benefits provided to municipal law enforcement officers and firefighters in various municipalities and consider the advantages and disadvantages of creating a uniform retirement and health insurance benefit plan for municipal law enforcement officers and firefighters; and be it further
Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the task force. The Maine State Retirement System shall provide technical assistance as requested by the task force; and be it further
Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the legislative members of the task force are entitled to receive legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the task force. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force; and be it further
Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the task force shall submit its report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature no later than December 3, 2003. The task force is authorized to introduce a bill related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature at the time of submission of its report; and be it further
Sec. 9. Extension. Resolved: That, if the task force requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further
Sec. 10. Task force budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the task force, with assistance from the task force staff, shall administer the task force's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the task force shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for its approval. The task force may not incur expenses that would result in the task force's exceeding its approved budget.
Upon request from the task force, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council or the executive director's designee shall promptly provide the task force chair and staff with a status report on the study budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective June 17, 2003.
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