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Resolve, Establishing a Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure
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 Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure is created in this resolve and must issue its findings and report by December 2, 2009; 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 Commission established. Resolved: That the Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further
Sec. 2 Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 13 members appointed as follows:
1. Seven members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows:
A. Four members of the Senate. When appointing members, the President shall give preference to Senators who are or were members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services;
B. The head of pediatrics from a hospital representing the eastern part of the State;
C. One member who is a pediatrician; and
D. One member who is a physician and is involved with a program that meets the medical and psychological needs of children in foster care;
2. Five members appointed by the Speaker of the House as follows:
A. Three members of the House of Representatives. When appointing the members, the Speaker shall give preference to members of the House of Representatives who are or were members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services;
B. One member who is a physician with a family practice who has experience working with young women with substance abuse problems; and
C. One member from an organization that provides disability risk assessment services; and
3. One member from the child protection services division within the Department of Health and Human Services, appointed by the Governor; 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 commission; and be it further
Sec. 4 Appointments; convening of commission. 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. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission, which must be no later than August 1, 2009; and be it further
Sec. 5 Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall address the issue of in utero narcotic drug exposure in the State and develop solutions for infants so afflicted during and after birth; and be it further
Sec. 6 Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further
Sec. 7 Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 2, 2009, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services is authorized to introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature upon receipt 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 Study Commission on In Utero Narcotic Drug Exposure.