6. One member who represents the Maine Innkeepers Association, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

7. One member who represents convenience stores operating in this State, appointed by the President of the Senate;

8. One member who represents the Maine Grocers' Association, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

9. One member who represents environmental organizations, appointed by the President of the Senate;

10. One member who represents redemption centers operating in this State, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

11. One member who represents the Maine Coastal Program at the State Planning Office, appointed by the President of the Senate; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first named House member is the House chair; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council upon their making their appointments. When the appointment of all members is complete, the cochairs of the commission shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission no later than September 1, 2001; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study issues related to reducing cigarette litter in this State. In examining these issues, the commission shall:

1. Attempt to determine the nature and extent of the cigarette litter problem across the State, including its effects on the environment, public health and public safety;

2. Identify and assess the feasibility of various proposals to reduce, and ultimately to eliminate, cigarette litter, particularly programs and approaches that involve public-private partnerships;

3. Gather information on cigarette litter reduction programs in other states;

4. Gather information on initiatives undertaken by tobacco producers and environmental organizations in response to concerns about the impacts of cigarette litter on the environment, public health and public safety;

5. Request tobacco producers to provide information on the status of research into the development of biodegradable filters;

6. Request tobacco producers to develop specific proposals to reduce or eliminate cigarette litter in this State; and

7. Make recommendations based on its findings; 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. Reimbursement. Resolved: That commission members who are Legislators are entitled to receive the legislative per diem pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2 and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Commission budget. Resolved: That the cochairs of the commission, with assistance from 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 its approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the study group's exceeding its approved budget; and be it further

Sec. 9. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations including suggested legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Legislative Council by December 1, 2001. Following receipt and review of the report, the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature to implement the commission's recommendations. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its study and to make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further

Sec. 10. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.

2001-02

LEGISLATURE

Commission to Study Ways to Eliminate

Cigarette Litter in Maine

Personal Services $1,100

All Other 3,800

Provides funds for the per diem and expenses of legislative members and other eligible members of the Commission to Study Ways to Eliminate Cigarette Litter in Maine and to print the required report.

LEGISLATURE ________

TOTAL $4,900

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

FISCAL NOTE

2001-02

APPROPRIATIONS/ALLOCATIONS

General Fund $4,900

This bill includes a General Fund appropriation of $4,900 in fiscal year 2001-02 for the Legislature for the per diem and expenses of legislative members and other eligible members of the Commission to Study Ways to Eliminate Cigarette Litter in Maine and to print the required report.

The additional costs associated with providing staffing assistance to the commission during the interim between legislative sessions can be absorbed by the Legislature utilizing existing budgeted resources. If an extension of the reporting deadline is granted and the commission requires staffing assistance during the legislative session, the Legislature may require an additional General Fund appropriation to contract for staff services.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Commission to Study Ways to Eliminate Cigarette Litter in Maine. The 15-member commission is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development by December 1, 2001. The Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development is authorized to report out a bill to implement the recommendations of the commission.