Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study Children's Mental Health

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 resolve establishes the Commission To Study Children's Mental Health to study the mental health of children in the State and federal and state laws, regulations, rules and policies governing the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health issues; and

Whereas,  the 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, be it

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission To Study Children's Mental Health, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established.

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the commission consists of 11 members appointed as follows:

1. Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including a member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;

3. Two parents of children with mental health issues, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House;

4. Three representatives of providers of mental health services to children in the State, 2 appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services or the commissioner's designee; and

6. The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee.

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission.

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, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the commission to meet and conduct its business.

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study the mental health of children in the State and federal and state laws, regulations, rules and policies governing the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health issues in the State.

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission.

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 4, 2019, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.

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 Children's Mental Health to study the mental health of children in the State and federal and state laws, regulations, rules and policies governing the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health issues.