§ 10 §11 — Maine Jobs, Trade and Democracy Act

1.
Short title.
This section may be known and cited as "the Maine Jobs, Trade and Democracy Act."
2.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
3.
Purposes.
The commission is established to assess and monitor the legal and economic impacts of trade agreements on state and local laws, working conditions and the business environment; to provide a mechanism for citizens and Legislators to voice their concerns and recommendations; and to make policy recommendations designed to protect Maine's jobs, business environment and laws from any negative impact of trade agreements.
4.
Membership.
The commission consists of the following members:
5.
Terms; vacancies; limits.
Except for Legislators, commissioners and the Attorney General, who serve terms coincident with their elective or appointed terms, all members are appointed for 3-year terms. A vacancy must be filled by the same appointing authority that made the original appointment. Appointed members may not serve more than 2 terms. Members may continue to serve until their replacements are designated. A member may designate an alternate to serve on a temporary basis.
6.
Chair; officers; rules.
The first-named Senate member and the first-named House of Representatives member are cochairs of the commission. The commission shall appoint other officers as necessary and make rules for orderly procedure.
7.
Compensation.
Legislators who are members of the commission are entitled to receive the legislative per diem and expenses as defined in Title 3, section 2 for their attendance to their duties under this chapter. Other members are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses if they are not otherwise reimbursed by their employers or others whom they represent.
8.
Staff; funding.
In accordance with section 945‑A, the Maine International Trade Center shall provide or arrange and manage staffing as necessary for the commission. The departments listed in subsection 4, paragraph B shall provide information and assistance to the commission when the expertise of the departments is relevant to the work for which assistance is requested by the commission.
9.
Powers and duties.
The commission:
10.
Accounting; outside funding.
11.
Evaluation.
By December 31, 2009, the commission shall conduct an evaluation of its activities and recommend to the Legislature whether to continue, alter or cease the commission's activities.

Legislative History

PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV). PL 2003, c. 699, §2 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 266, §§1-3 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV). PL 2013, c. 427, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 687, §§1, 2 (AMD).