MSBA Legislative Update 01-09-09

MAINE STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY WEEKLY REPORT

January 9, 2009

LEGISLATIVE

SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARINGS

The Appropriations & Financial Affairs Committee held hearings throughout the week regarding the proposed Supplemental Budget for FY2009. The Appropriations & Financial Affairs Committee will start its work sessions on the Supplemental Budget proposal the week of January 12.

BIENNIAL BUDGET RELEASED

Gov. Baldacci released his proposed biennial budget on Friday, January 9. The Governor was joined by members of his Cabinet to outline the provisions of the biennial budget. Because of the fiscal deficit, deep cuts are expected in many programs, and the Appropriations & Financial Affairs Committee was to immediately receive a short briefing following the press conference.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES

Legislative Committees will start holding meetings the week of January 12. Many of these are orientation for new committee members, but will also include briefings on the proposed Supplement Budget and discussions regarding recommendations on proposals. The Appropriations Committee will start its work sessions regarding the Supplement Budget the week of January 12. The Committee hopes to move quickly on the Supplemental proposals, so it may quickly turn its attention to the Biennial Budget proposals.

LEGISLATIVE DATABASE

An updated legislative database is attached to this weekly report for your information. It contains any newly introduced bills that we have identified of interest to the MSBA, along with updated status listings of previously introduced bills.
Click here for your Legislative Database.

Click here for a text document of this report.

REGULATORY UPDATE

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW SECTION – The Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions within the Department of Secretary of State, is required to file an annual report with the Legislature regarding the Administrative Procedure Act. Each year, the Bureau solicits from state agencies and the public any recommendations for improvements to the rule-making process. The comments it receives will be incorporated into the report filed with the Legislature. Comments and recommendations are requested by January 30, 2009 and should be sent to Dawn Wismer, APA Coordinator, Department of Secretary of State, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:
Pattie Aho at 207-622-6311 or paho@piereatwood.com