0e it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§18-C is enacted to read:

18-C. Child Not 20-A MRSA

Education: Development Authorized §7737

Child Services

Development Advisory

Services Committee

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §7737 is enacted to read:

§7737.__Child Development Services Advisory Committee

The Child Development Services Advisory Committee, referred to in this section as the "advisory committee," is created to provide advice to the department on the implementation of a comprehensive and collaborative early intervention system of services that are responsive to the current needs of children and families and that promote access to services by all children and their families who are in need of those services.

1.__Membership.__The advisory committee consists of up to 14 members appointed by the commissioner to 2-year terms as follows:

A.__Six members who are child development services site directors;

B.__Three members selected from a list of nominees submitted by the Early Intervention Coalition or its successor organization; and

C.__Three community providers.

Optionally, the commissioner may appoint 2 additional members as requested by the advisory committee.

2.__Department representation.__Two representatives of the department are ex officio members of the advisory committee.

3.__Duties.__The advisory committee shall:

A.__Develop recommendations for improved quality and consistency of services;

B.__Examine professional development to promote effective practices in serving eligible children;