Whereas, domestic violence is a pervasive and atrocious problem in Maine and nationwide; and

Whereas, for the health and well-being of the people of Maine, it is imperative that reasonable and sound measures be taken to alleviate the problem of domestic violence; and

Whereas, in order to adequately address the problem of domestic violence, it needs to be determined what the issues and problems are and what reasonable and sound measures need to be taken; and

Whereas, this determination needs to be undertaken as soon as possible so that the problem of domestic violence may be alleviated quickly; 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. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Study Domestic Violence, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of the following members:

1. One member of the Senate who sits on the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice, appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives who sit on the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. One member of the Maine Association of Clerks of Courts, selected by that association;

4. One member of the Maine Sheriffs Association, selected by that association;

5. One member of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, selected by that association;