Sec. 9. Extension. Resolved: That, if the task force requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further

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

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Task Force to Study Commercial Lobster Fishing in Offshore Waters. The task force is directed to identify and investigate problems facing people in the State licensed to fish for lobster in federal waters, with particular attention to issues related to fishing in federal Offshore Lobster Management Area 3, and to develop recommendations to address identified problems. The task force is required to submit a report by January 1, 2006 and is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature.