CHAPTER 124
H.P. 1700 - L.D. 2200
Resolve, to Study the Impact of a Maine-based Casino on the Economy, Transportation Infrastructure, State Revenues and the Job Market
Sec. 1. Task force established. Resolved: That the Task Force to Study the Impact of a Maine-based Casino, 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 18 members as follows:
1. Three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, with preference given to members who serve on the following committees: the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business and economic development matters; the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over gaming matters; and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters;
2. Three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, with preference given to members who serve on the following committees: the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business and economic development matters; and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over gaming matters. In appointing one of the members under this subsection, preference must be given to a member who is a tribal representative;
3. Two members of the public in support of a Maine-based casino, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House;
4. Two members of the public opposed to a Maine-based casino, one who should possess some experience, expertise or knowledge of the causes, treatment or prevention of problem or pathological gambling, the providing of services to assist affected individuals and their families or the education of the public to increase its awareness of the disorders and available gamblers assistance programs appointed by the President of the Senate and one who is charged with examining the religious, spiritual and moral impacts of casino gambling appointed by the Speaker of the House;
5. The Chief of the State Police or the chief's designee;
6. The Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee;
7. A representative of the Maine Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods selected by the association, or the member's designee;
8. A representative of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association selected by the association, or the member's designee;
9. A representative of the Maine Chamber of Commerce selected by the chamber, or the member's designee;
10. A representative of the Maine Tourism Association selected by the association, or the member's designee;
11. A representative of the Office of Substance Abuse within the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, or the member's designee; and
12. The Executive Director of the Maine Harness Racing Commission or the executive director's designee.
A quorum is 12 members; 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. 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; and be it further
Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall examine the following issues concerning a Maine-based casino and perform the following duties:
1. Determine the impact of increased vehicular traffic on the infrastructure of the State;
2. Verify the amount of estimated revenues produced by a casino, net costs of additional social services and the impact of those revenues and costs on the State;
3. Estimate the number of new jobs created and lost due to the construction and operation of a Maine-based casino;
4. Estimate the need caused by a casino for any new or increased services;
5. Identify appropriate locations for a casino if one is to be operated in the State;
6. Estimate the impact of a Maine-based casino on municipal services, social services, affordable housing, business activity and criminal activity within a 50-mile radius of a proposed casino and the impact on other forms of gambling that are legally conducted in the State; and
7. Survey the various agencies, groups, organizations and individuals to determine which agencies, groups, organizations and individuals would provide education, assistance and counseling to individuals and families experiencing difficulties as the result of problem or pathological gambling and to determine the necessary funding for those that have demonstrated their capacity to efficiently and effectively provide the necessary services; and be it further
Sec. 6. Meetings. Resolved: That the task force may hold up to 4 meetings. One meeting may be a public hearing held in the Augusta area; and be it further
Sec. 7. 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; and be it further
Sec. 8. 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 be it further
Sec. 9. Report. Resolved: That the task force shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business and economic development and gaming matters no later than November 6, 2002; and be it further
Sec. 10. 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. 11. 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 chairs and staff with a status report on the study budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.
Effective July 25, 2002, unless otherwise indicated.
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