PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study How To Improve Maine's Transportation Infrastructure
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation establishes the Commission To Study How To Improve Maine's Transportation Infrastructure; and
Whereas,  the commission's study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next legislative session; 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,
Sec. 1 Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission To Study How To Improve Maine's Transportation Infrastructure, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further
Sec. 2 Commission membership. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the commission consists of 15 members as follows:
1. Seven members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows:
A. A member representing a nonprofit transportation industry organization;
B. A member representing the freight hauling industry;
C. A member representing an environmental organization;
D. A member representing the construction industry;
E. A member from a list of nominees supplied by the Maine Chamber of Commerce;
F. A member from an organization that represents members of the civil engineering profession worldwide; and
G. A member representing the railroad industry;
2. Seven members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives as follows:
A. A member representing an economic development or redevelopment organization;
B. A member from a list of nominees supplied by the Maine Office of Tourism;
C. A member representing a small business with significant transportation needs;
D. A member from a list of nominees supplied by the Maine Municipal Association;
E. A member representing the fishing industry;
F. A member from an organization that promotes the transportation industry; and
G. A member representing the aviation industry; and
3. The Commissioner of Transportation or the commissioner's designee; and be it further
Sec. 3 Chairs. Resolved: That the commission shall choose 2 chairs from among its members; and be it further
Sec. 4 Appointments; convening of commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. After appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission. If 30 days or more after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, a majority of the appointed members may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the commission to meet and conduct its business; and be it further
Sec. 5 Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study funding for maintenance of and future improvements to the State's transportation infrastructure as necessary to keep roads, bridges, railroads, airports and seaports in good condition and to avoid the deterioration of the State's transportation infrastructure.
The commission shall meet 4 or 5 times over the summer and fall of 2013. One meeting must be open to the public for input; and be it further
Sec. 6 Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further
Sec. 7 Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 4, 2013, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation may submit a bill for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature relating to the subject matter of the report.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This resolve establishes the Commission To Study How To Improve Maine's Transportation Infrastructure. The commission has 15 members and is required to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Trasportation by December 4, 2013.