Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the following:
‘Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, there are many significant rate cases currently before the Public Utilities Commission for which the services of a consumer advisor are needed as soon as possible; and
Whereas, the consumer advisor position created through this legislation must be created as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the Office of the Public Advocate to collect data related to the performance, duties and future funding of the position in time to report to the 127th Legislature; 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,’
Amend the bill by inserting at the end before the summary the following:
‘Sec. 6. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
PUBLIC ADVOCATE
Public Advocate 0410
Initiative: Provides a one-time allocation in fiscal year 2014-15 for a temporary Consumer Advisor position to advise members of the using and consuming public regarding participation in proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission. The position will terminate June 30, 2015.
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS |
2013-14 |
2014-15 |
|
Personal Services
|
$0 |
$88,531 |
|
 |
|
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL |
$0 |
$88,531 |
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’
SUMMARY
This amendment adds an emergency preamble and emergency clause to the bill. It also adds an appropriations and allocations section.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)