An Act Regarding the Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation
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 legislation directs the board of trustees of the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation to amend the corporation's bylaws by January 1, 2014 and requires the chair of the board of trustees to provide a report, including the proposed changes to the corporation's bylaws, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by December 13, 2013; and
Whereas, this process needs to begin sooner than 90 days after adjournment of the Legislature to be completed in sufficient time; 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,
Sec. 1. PL 1991, c. 848, §3, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 1997, c. 599, §1, is further amended to read:
The transfer may occur only if the transferee corporation has a board of trustees that includes the chancellor of the University of Maine System; 3 members representing the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System; the President of Bates College; the President of Bowdoin College; the President of Colby College; and not fewer than 8 nor more than 12 public trustees elected by the board in the manner prescribed in the corporation’s bylaws. The president of the transferee corporation is a nonvoting member of the board. By January 1, 1999, 2 additional public trustees must be appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to confirmation by the Senate. By January 1, 1999, the board shall amend the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation bylaws to reflect the method of appointment of public trustees described in this paragraph. Beginning January 1, 2014, the composition of the board described in this paragraph is no longer required.
Sec. 2. PL 1991, c. 848, §3, as amended by PL 1997, c. 599, §1, is further amended by adding after the 2nd paragraph a new paragraph to read:
By January 1, 2014, the board shall amend the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation bylaws to establish the number, terms and qualifications of trustees of the corporation and the method and manner of their selection consistent with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 13-B. The board of trustees must include one member representing the University of Maine System appointed by the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, and one member must be appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs and to confirmation by the Senate.
Sec. 3. Report; bylaw review. By December 13, 2013, the chair of the board of trustees of the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation shall provide a report including the proposed changes to the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation bylaws related to the trustees of the corporation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
Sec. 4. Transition. Members of the board of trustees of the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation serving on the effective date of this Act serve until the selection of a new board of trustees pursuant to the corporation bylaws as amended in accordance with this Act.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.