PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
Amend the resolution on page 7 in section 1 by adding at the end a new paragraph to read:
‘The Secretary of State in office on December 31, 2017 retains all authority and responsibilities of the former Office of Secretary of State as set forth in law and assumes the authority and responsibilities of the Office of Lieutenant Governor as set forth in this Constitution until the Lieutenant Governor takes office on January 2, 2019.’
Amend the resolution on page 7 in section 1-A in the first line (page 7, line 31 in L.D.) by striking out the following: "If" and inserting the following: 'IfBeginning on January 2, 2019, if'
Amend the resolution on page 9 by striking out all of the question (page 9, lines 14 to 26 in L.D.) and inserting the following:
‘
 
"Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to replace the position of Secretary of State with the position of Lieutenant Governor, elected on the same ballot as the Governor?"
 
’
Amend the resolution on page 9 in the 2nd indented paragraph from the end in the 2nd line from the end (page 9, line 34 in L.D.) by striking out the following: "on the date of the proclamation" and inserting the following: 'on January 1, 2018'
 
SUMMARY
This amendment is the minority report of the committee. The amendment:
1. Delays the effective date for the changes approved by the voters at the November 2015 election until January 2018. The changes apply to the statewide election in November 2018;
2. Requires the Secretary of State in office on December 31, 2017 to continue to carry out the duties of the Secretary of State until a Lieutenant Governor takes office on January 2, 2019. These duties include those identified as duties of the Lieutenant Governor in the Constitution of Maine once the resolution goes into effect; and
3. Simplifies the ballot question.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)