Resolve, Regarding Revenue from the World Acadian Congress Commemorative Registration Plate

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  Resolve 2011, chapter 156 authorized the Secretary of State to issue a commemorative, simulated registration plate in recognition and celebration of the 2014 World Acadian Congress; and

Whereas,  pursuant to Resolve 2011, chapter 156, $16 of the $25 fee is incorrectly designated for the benefit of the Maine Acadian Heritage Council; and

Whereas,  the fiscal agent for the Maine Acadian Heritage Council is the World Acadian Congress; and

Whereas,  the plates have been available for sale since December 2012; 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. Resolve 2011, c. 156, §2, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2011, c. 156, §2 is amended to read:

Sec. 2. Administrative fee; distribution. Resolved: That the Secretary of State shall develop a plan for the sale and distribution of World Acadian Congress commemorative plates. The fee for the World Acadian Congress commemorative plate is $25, which must be deposited in a special fund and transferred quarterly by the Treasurer of State  paid as follows:

1. Nine dollars per plate to the Secretary of State for the costs associated with production and issuance of the plates; and

2. Sixteen dollars per plate to the Maine Acadian Heritage Council  be retained by the World Acadian Congress; and be it further

Sec. 2. Retroactivity. Resolved: That that section of this resolve that amends Resolve 2011, chapter 156, section 2 applies retroactively to August 30, 2012.

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