Whereas, former students of the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf and the Maine School for the Deaf have been waiting for years for the State to acknowledge the abuse they suffered; and

Whereas, it is important to start the compensation process as expeditiously as possible; 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. 5 MRSA §12004-G, sub-§26-E is enacted to read:

26-E. Baxter Legislative 5 MRSA

Legislature CompensationPer Diem §22002

Authority and Expenses

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA Pt. 28 is enacted to read:

PART 28

COMPENSATION AND REDRESS

CHAPTER 601

THE BAXTER COMPENSATION AUTHORITY

SUBCHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§22001.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise indicates.

1.__Abuse.__"Abuse" means sexual abuse, physical abuse or both.

2.__Administrative expenses.__"Administrative expenses" means the expenses necessary for the operation of the program, including the costs of the authority and stipends for legal and