Whereas, the State must reduce expenditures as a result of a weakened economy; and

Whereas, technology exists to permit communications to be made via electronic rather than paper media; and

Whereas, the use of electronic media for communication would reduce the need of and greater costs associated with the use of paper media as well as be an environmentally sensitive means of disseminating information; 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 §8053, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1995, c. 373, §4, is further amended to read:

1. Notice of rulemaking without hearing. At least 20 days prior to the comment deadline of any rule without hearing, the agency shall deliver or mail written notice or, with written or electronic agreement of the party, provide electronic notice to:

A. Any person specified by the statute authorizing the rulemaking;

B. Any person who has filed within the past year a written or electronic request with the agency for notice of rulemaking; and

C. Any trade, industry, professional, interest group or regional publication that the agency considers effective in reaching the persons affected.

Notification to subscribers under paragraph B must be by mail or, with written__or electronically submitted agreement of the subscriber, electronic notice or otherwise in writing to the last address provided to the agency by that person. Subscribers under paragraph B may request to receive a copy of each proposed rule with the written notice. The agency shall provide the copy at the same time the notice is sent.