125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 669		LR 1557(01)
	RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Change the Number of Members of the Legislature, the Length of Legislative Sessions and the Requirements for Introduction of Bills in a Second Regular Session
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Carey of Lewiston
	Committee: State and Local Government
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund Potential future biennium savings - General Fund Potential future biennium savings - Other Special Revenue Funds
Referendum Costs		Month/Year	Election Type	Question	Length
		Nov-11	General	Referendum	Standard
	The Secretary of State's budget includes sufficient funds to accommodate one ballot of average length for the general election in November.  If the number or size of the referendum questions requires production and delivery of a second ballot, an additional appropriation of $107,250 may be required.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	If approved by the voters, this constitutional amendment would reduce the House of Representatives membership from 151 to 101 members and the Senate from 35 to 17 members beginning with the 127th Legislature and extend the legnth of legislative sessions.  These changes would result in net General Fund savings to the Legislature associated with 68 fewer legislators partially offset by additional costs for longer sessions.  The projected future net savings for the legislative biennium are estimated to be $2,542,834 in fiscal year 2014-15 and $913,451 in fiscal year 2015-16.  Some of these savings may be offset with one-time costs to renovate the House Chamber, which would depend on the extent of the renovation decided by the Legislative Council.
	The reductions to the number of legislators would result in Other Special Revenue Funds savings of $1,387,935 in fiscal year 2013-14 to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices due to reduced payments to qualifying candidates.  This estimate assumes that there will be an increase in contested primary races in 2014 from the normal redistricting already occurring in 2013.  It also assumes initial payment amounts to qualifying candidates will increase by 4% each election.  Other Special Revenue Funds revenue to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices would also decrease by $59,975 in fiscal year 2013-14 due to a reduction in qualifying contributions collected by participating candidates.