126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 489 LR 694(03)
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Increase the Lengths of Terms of Members of the Legislature
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: State and Local Government
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Future biennium savings - General Fund
Future biennium savings - Other Special Revenue Funds
Minor revenue decrease - Other Special Revenue Funds
Referendum Costs Month/Year Election Type Question Length
Nov-13 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, the Legislature would realize savings of approximately $45,000 in fiscal year 2018-19 and every 2 years thereafter from reduced new member orientation expenses.
If approved by the voters, this constitutional amendment would increase legislative terms from 2 to 4 years.  This change will result in an Other Special Revenue Funds savings of $426,877 in fiscal year 2017-18 and $2,467,670 in fiscal year 2018-19 to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices due to eliminating the 2018 legislative election.  This estimate assumes initial payment amounts to qualifying candidates will increase by 4% each election.  Other Special Revenue Funds revenue to the Commission would decrease by $140,350 in fiscal year 2018-19 from not collecting qualifying contributions.