Whereas, the New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers have resolved to enter into a mutual assistance compact; and

Whereas, representatives of the emergency management agencies of the various states and provinces met and crafted language appropriate to facilitate responding to emergencies by organizations from the New England states and eastern Canadian provinces; and

Whereas, the Attorney General of the State of Maine has reviewed the International Emergency Management Assistance Compact and determined that legislative endorsement and congressional approval are legally necessary for implementation of the proposed compact, but the agreement is otherwise legally sufficient; and

Whereas, New Hampshire has enacted the compact and Nova Scotia has authorized its adoption; and

Whereas, an emergency may develop immediately and the most appropriate response that may be available would be from the eastern Canadian provinces; and

Whereas, the compact allows for swift response when reacting to threats to the safety, care and welfare of the public in time of disaster; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA c. 16-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 16-A

INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

ASSISTANCE COMPACT

§935.__Purpose and authorities - Article I