Resolve, to Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission to Establish a Comprehensive Internet Policy

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 Internet and its use continues to grow and it is essential to ensure delivery of social and economic benefits to the State; and

Whereas, it is necessary to consider what type of statewide computing and communications investment strategy will stimulate public investment and create more opportunities and incentives for information technology business to locate in the State; and

Whereas, it is imperative to address how to develop and maintain a highly qualified information technology workforce to support business growth; and

Whereas, it is essential to create a business and regulatory policy that will ensure that Maine is an attractive location for information technology companies and their employees; 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 Blue Ribbon Commission to Establish a Comprehensive Internet Policy, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 12 voting members and 6 nonvoting members.

1. The commission consists of 12 voting members as follows:

A. Three members of the Senate, at least one of whom is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development, appointed by the President of the Senate;

B. Two members of the House of Representatives, at least one of whom is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic

Development, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

C. One representative of the large Internet service providers industry, appointed by the President of the Senate;

D. One representative of the small Internet service providers industry, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

E. One representative of the Maine Software Developers Association, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

F. One representative of the telecommunications industry, appointed by the President of the Senate;

G. One representative of the cable television industry, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

H. One representative of the Maine Bar Association, appointed by the President of the Senate; and

I. One representative of the Maine Civil Liberties Union, appointed by the Speaker of the House.

2. The commission consists of 6 nonvoting members as follows:

A. One representative of the University of Maine System, appointed by the Chancellor of the University of Maine System;

B. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development or the commissioner's designee;

C. The Secretary of State or the secretary's designee;

D. The State Librarian or the State Librarian's designee;

E. One representative of the Public Advocate's Office, appointed by the Governor; and

F. One representative of the Public Utilities Commission, appointed by the Governor.

Sec. 3. Appointments; meetings. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The

Executive Director of the Legislative Council must be notified by all appointing authorities once the selections have been made. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the Chair of the Legislative Council shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission. The first named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first named House member is the House chair; and be it further

Sec. 4. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study issues related to the future of information technology in the State, including, but not limited to:

1. The facilitation of electronic commerce for Maine citizens and businesses;

2. Making government more accessible to the citizens;

3. The use of the Internet and related technologies to improve education throughout the State;

4. The protection of Internet users' and citizens' privacy;

5. The mitigation of Internet abuses including transmission of unsolicited bulk e-mail or spam;

6. The regulation of hate mail and pornography;

7. The elimination of electronic crimes;

8. The promotion of Internet access for citizens throughout the State; and

9. The promotion of business development in the areas of electronic, Internet-based and information technology businesses throughout the State; and be it further

Sec. 5. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the commission may request staffing assistance from the Legislative Council; and be it further

Sec. 6. Compensation. Resolved: That legislative members are entitled to receive the legislative per diem and reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That no later than December 1, 1999, the commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Executive Director of the Legislative Council. The Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development is authorized to report out a bill during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature concerning the findings and recommendations of the commission. If the commission requires an extension, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further

Sec. 8. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.

1999-00

LEGISLATURE

Blue Ribbon Commission to Establish a Comprehensive Internet Policy

Personal Services $1,375

All Other 1,750

Provides funds for the per diem and expenses of legislative members of the Blue Ribbon Commission to Establish a Comprehensive Internet Policy and to print the required report.

LEGISLATURE ____________

TOTAL $3,125

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

Effective June 17, 1999.