Whereas, it is desirable to study state agencies' regulation of water utilities; and

Whereas, unless this legislation is enacted as an emergency, there will not be sufficient time in which to complete the study before the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature; 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. Task force created; duties. Resolved: That there is established the Task Force to Study the Regulation of Water Utilities, referred to in this resolve as the "task force." In order to advise the Governor and the Legislature on ways to improve state regulation of water utilities by reducing duplication, focusing regulatory efforts and improving the efficiency of regulation, the task force shall:

1. Assess in an integrated manner the regulatory functions that are currently being performed by various state agencies, including the new capacity development provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;

2. Determine which regulatory functions are essential;

3. Determine where the responsibility for essential regulatory functions should reside;

4. Assess the feasibility of allowing qualified utilities the option of being regulated at the local level; and

5. Investigate any other improvements to state regulation of water utilities that may be accomplished.

The task force shall present its findings to the Governor and Legislature and may make recommendations, including recommendations for legislative changes; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership; chair. Resolved: That the task force consists of the following 10 members:

1. One representative from the Public Utilities Commission, appointed by the chair of the commission;