Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study the benefits and costs of providing family and medical leave benefits.

1. In conducting the study, the commission shall examine:

A. The expected number of employees who would use paid family and medical leave;

B. The percentage of family and medical leaves of absence that employers currently fund in full or in part;

C. The impact of implementing a state program of paid family and medical leave on these employer policies;

D. The impact of providing paid family and medical leave on other state-funded programs, including temporary assistance for needy families, unemployment compensation and Medicaid payments to nursing homes;

E. The public health costs of not providing paid family and medical leave, including the frequency and cost of deferring medical treatment and the impact on infant care;

F. The impact on employers of providing paid family and medical leave, including the impact on overall employment, retention, recruitment and training costs and productivity; and

G. The feasibility of providing paid family and medical leave through existing systems, such as unemployment compensation, or through alternative systems, such as a state temporary disability insurance program or a family and medical leave insurance fund.

2. In examining the questions set out in subsection 1, the commission may:

A. Seek grants to fund the study;

B. Hold informational sessions for discussions with knowledgeable persons;

C. Conduct, summarize and analyze the results of a literature search;

D. Conduct, tabulate and analyze the results of a survey of the public or affected persons and groups;

E. Procure and analyze relevant data;

F. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on legal questions within the scope of the study; and

G. Determine and summarize the legislative actions or governmental programs undertaken in other jurisdictions related to issues within the scope of the study; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Other members of the commission who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature no later than March 1, 2002. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its work, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further

Sec. 9. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes a study commission to study the benefits and costs of providing family and medical leave benefits to families in the State.