1. The University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy as created and established by law are incorporated into the state system of public higher education. Upon the effective date of Part A of this Act, all references to, responsibilities of and authority conferred upon the governing boards and policy-making authorities of the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy, and those entities' predecessors, throughout the Maine Revised Statutes and Private and Special Laws are deemed to refer to and vest in the Board of Regents of Higher Education created by this Act, as the successor entity. The Board of Regents of Higher Education is the successor in every way to the powers, duties and functions as assigned in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, chapter 408 as they pertain to the governance and coordination of the state system of public higher education established under this Act.

2. All policies and procedures established by the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, the President and the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System and the President and the Board of Trustees of the Maine Maritime Academy, as they pertain to the duties of the Board of Regents of Higher Education and its related units as set forth in this Act, in effect on the effective date of this Act remain in effect until rescinded, revised or amended.

3. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System, the President of the Maine Community College System and the President of the Maine Maritime Academy, together with the chairs of their respective governing boards, shall collaborate and develop a plan to align and consolidate the governance and coordination functions of their respective governing boards with the provisions set forth in Part A of this Act. By January 31, 2006, the Chancellor of the University of Maine System shall submit a report, including recommendations and any necessary legislation, to the Governor and the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs regarding the plan required under this section.