Resolve, To Study the Creation of a School of Hospitality and Hotel Management within the University of Maine System

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the tourism industry is the top industry in the State, employing over 150,000 Maine people; and

Whereas,  the University of Maine System does not currently offer a hospitality and hotel management baccalaureate degree program at any of the universities within the system; and

Whereas,  this resolve needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period so that the required reports may be submitted in time; 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

Sec. 1. Stakeholder group. Resolved: That the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System shall convene a stakeholder group to explore the creation of a hospitality and hotel management baccalaureate degree program within the system. The stakeholder group shall include, but is not limited to, representatives of the following:

1. The University of Maine System;

2. The Maine Community College System;

3. The Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism;

4. The Maine Tourism Association;

5. The Maine Innkeepers Association;

6. The Maine Restaurant Association; and

7. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

Sec. 2. Review and recommendations. Resolved: That, no later than November 1, 2011, the stakeholder group shall submit a written report to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System with their findings and recommendations on the necessity, feasibility and financial implications of creating a hospitality and hotel management baccalaureate degree program within the system; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, by January 31, 2012, the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, or the board's designee, shall present a report, including its conclusions and any recommendations resulting from the review conducted under sections 1 and 2, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The joint standing committee may introduce a bill during the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature to implement the recommendations relating to the report.

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