Whereas, the Legislature has learned of the controversy and danger surrounding the use of high-speed chases by law enforcement officers; and

Whereas, exploring the purpose and application of high-speed chases is necessary to ensure the safety of the citizens of the State, as well as the law enforcement officers who are charged with the citizens' protection; and

Whereas, emergency legislation is needed to begin the study promptly and ensure that the issue is addressed thoroughly; 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 Commission to Study High-speed Chases, referred to in this section as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 11 members appointed as follows:

1. Two Legislators who are members of the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and who jointly chair the commission, one of whom must be a Senator appointed by the President of the Senate, and one of whom must be a member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;

2. The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee;

3. The Commissioner of Public Safety, or the commissioner's designee;

4. The Chief of the State Police, or the chief's designee;

5. The President of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, or the president's designee;

6. The President of the Maine Sheriffs' Association, or the president's designee;