PART A

Sec. A-1. 20-A MRSA c. 408 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 408

STATE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION

§10601.__State system of public higher education

1.__Establishment.__There is established a state system of public higher education, referred to in this chapter as "the state system," that consists of:

A.__The University of Maine System and each of its universities;

B.__The Maine Community College System and each of its colleges;

C.__The Maine Maritime Academy; and

D.__The Board of Regents of Higher Education and its related units as established pursuant to this chapter.

As used in this chapter, "constituent units" means those units described in paragraphs A to C.

§10602.__Board of Regents of Higher Education established

The Board of Regents of Higher Education, referred to in this chapter as "the board of regents," is established as the central policy-making authority for the state system and to provide a permanent voice in support of public higher education, to create a statewide vision for public higher education and to develop, maintain and evaluate implementation of a long-term plan for public higher education in the State.

1.__Membership; appointments.__The board of regents is organized as set out in this section and consists of 16 members.

A.__Ten members are appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to confirmation by the Legislature, with 5 from the First Congressional District and 5 from the Second Congressional District.