S.P. 393 - L.D. 1172
Resolve, Establishing a Task Force to Study the Need for an Agricultural Vitality Zone Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the vitality of agriculture is essential to this State; and
Whereas, the duties of the task force established by this resolve are important to maintaining and enhancing agriculture in the State; and
Whereas, the expeditious appointment of members and convening of the task force is important for a timely completion of its tasks; 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. Task force established. Resolved: That the Task Force to Study the Need for an Agricultural Vitality Zone Program, referred to in this resolve as the "task force," is established; and be it further
Sec. 2. Task force membership and invited participants. Resolved: That the task force consists of 9 members appointed as follows:
1. Four citizens with experience in agriculture or agricultural marketing, appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House; and
2. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, and 3 members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House. Appointments of House members must include one member of the party holding the largest number of seats in the House and one member of the party holding the 2nd largest number of seats in the House.
The task force shall invite the participation of the Director of the State Planning Office or the director's designee; the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources or the commissioner's designee; the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development or the commissioner's designee; and one representative each from the northern, southern, eastern and western Maine regional development districts; and be it further
Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first named Senate member is the Senate chair of the task force and the first named House member is the House chair of the task force; and be it further
Sec. 4. Appointments; convening task force. Resolved: That all appointments must be made by July 16, 1999. The chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the task force no later than July 30, 1999; and be it further
Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall hold a minimum of 4 meetings, one in each of the 4 development districts; gather information; create working groups; and request necessary data from public and private entities in order to:
1. Establish a process to identify those areas of the State where there is substantial existing or evolving small-scale agricultural activity, an evolving network of support services and developed or developing regional or direct markets;
2. Target existing and potential state resources to promote agriculture and to create and support the development of agricultural vitality zones, including: farmland conservation and protection measures; job training programs, including beginning-farmer training programs; tax policy, tax credits and incentives; and grants and loans; and
3. Identify, examine and propose strategies or measures that will benefit and expand the State's small-scale agricultural enterprises, including, but not limited to, new and existing marketing programs, the identification of new products and services, possibilities for collaboration, the development of spin-off or value-added businesses and the enhancement of support services; and be it further
Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That upon approval of the Legislative Council the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide staffing services to the task force. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and the State Planning Office shall also provide assistance as needed; and be it further
Sec. 7. Expenses. Resolved: That those members of the task force who are Legislators are entitled to receive the legislative per diem and reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force. Other members of the task force who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities whom they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings; and be it further
Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That by December 1, 1999, the task force shall submit a report of its findings to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry along with any implementing legislation. The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may report out a bill during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature concerning findings and recommendations of the task force. If the task force requires a limited extension of time to conclude its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further
Sec. 9. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.
1999-00
LEGISLATURE
Task Force to Study the Need for an Agricultural Vitality Zone Program
Personal Services $1,100
All Other 2,000
Provides funds for the per diem and expenses of legislative members and the expenses of other eligible members of the Task Force to Study the Need for an Agricultural Vitality Zone Program and to print the required report.
LEGISLATURE ____________
TOTAL $3,100
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective June 17, 1999.
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