‘Resolve, To Establish the Study Committee on Alternative Methods of Enforcement of Spousal Support’

‘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 Study Committee on Alternative Methods of Enforcement of Spousal Support will review methods of spousal support enforcement in other states; 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. Study committee established. Resolved: That, not withstanding Joint Rule 353, the Study Committee on Alternative Methods of Enforcement of Spousal Support, referred to in this resolve as "the study committee," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Study committee membership. Resolved: That the study committee consists of 5 members appointed as follows:

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

2. Three 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; 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 study committee; and be it further

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

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the study committee shall review information about other states' approaches to the enforcement of spousal support and determine whether any of those methods of enforcement should be implemented in this State; and be it further

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

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than November 6, 2013, the study committee shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. The Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary may introduce a bill on the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’