Sec. 1. Designation as 2-1-1 information and referral services provider. 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated is designated as the sole entity entitled to use the 2-1-1 telephone number, reserved by the Federal Communications Commission in FCC Docket 00-256, in the provision of information and referral services in the State of Maine, whether through wireline, mobile or voice-over-Internet telecommunications services.

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

SUMMARY

2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated was formed by the United Way of Greater Portland, in consultation with the other United Way agencies serving the State and Ingraham, to provide a statewide information and referral service using a database developed by Ingraham with the support of United Way funding and the 2-1-1 telephone number reserved by the Federal Communications Commission for such providers. Ingraham, which already operates an information and referral service in Maine, will operate the 2- 1-1 Maine, Incorporated call center and maintain and update the statewide database to be used in providing the service.

In order to obtain the funding necessary to provide the service, 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated requires designation by the State of Maine as the sole 2-1-1 information and referral provider for Maine. The Public Utilities Commission has determined that it does not have jurisdiction to designate a 2-1- 1 provider. This bill designates 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated as the 2-1-1 provider.