Resolve, To Study the Impact of Higher Maine Turnpike Tolls on Workers, Businesses and Economic Development

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 Task Force To Study the Impact of Increased Tolls on Workers, Businesses and Economic Development to review the impact of recent increases in tolls on the Maine Turnpike on workers, businesses and economic development in the State; 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. Task force established. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the Task Force To Study the Impact of Increased Tolls on Workers, Businesses and Economic Development, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership. Resolved: That the task force consists of 13 members appointed as follows:

1. One member of the Senate who serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Two members of the Senate who serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation appointed by the President of the Senate;

3. Two members of the House of Representatives who serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development appointed by the Speaker of the House;

4. One member of the House of Representatives who serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. Two public members, one of whom is appointed by the President of the Senate and one of whom is appointed by the Speaker of the House;

6. Two public members appointed by the Governor;

7. The Executive Director of the Maine Turnpike Authority, or the executive director's designee;

8. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, or the commissioner's designee; and

9. The Commissioner of Labor, or the commissioner's designee; and be it further

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 task force; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of task force. 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 task force. 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 task force to meet and conduct its business; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the task force shall review the impact of increased tolls on the Maine Turnpike on workers, businesses and economic development in the State; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the task force; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 4, 2013, the task force shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The committee is authorized to introduce a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature related 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 Task Force To Study the Impact of Increased Tolls on Workers, Businesses and Economic Development.