Sec. 1. 5 MRSA c. 376 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 376

THE MAINE OMBUDSMAN ACT

§11051.__Short title

This chapter may be known and cited as the "Maine Ombudsman Act."

§11052.__Definitions

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

1.__Administrative act.__"Administrative act" means every action of an administrative agency, including, but not limited to, decisions, omissions, recommendations, practices and procedures.

2.__Administrative agency.__"Administrative agency" means any department or other governmental unit, official or employee of the State acting or purporting to act by reason of connection with the State, but it does not include:

A.__The Judicial Department or any court or judge or appurtenant judicial staff;

B.__The Legislature or legislative staff;

C. The Governor or the Governor's personal staff;

D. An instrumentality of any political subdivision of the State; or

E.__An instrumentality formed pursuant to an interstate compact and answerable to more than one state.

3.__Ombudsman.__"Ombudsman" means the person appointed to administer this chapter under section 11054.

§11053.__Establishment of the office

The Office of Ombudsman is established as an independent agency of the State.

§11054.__Appointment