Whereas, Maine children and low-income people have an urgent need for adequate access to mental health care and dental care; and

Whereas, the shortage of mental health and dental professionals who provide care for children and low-income people is at the heart of the access problem in many areas of Maine; and

Whereas, current governmental efforts to assist communities in recruitment and retention of mental health and dental professionals fall short of providing adequate access to care for Maine children and low-income people; 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 on Dental and Mental Health Services for Children, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

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

1. The Director of the Bureau of Health within the Department of Human Services or the director's designee;

2. The Director of the Bureau of Medical Services within the Department of Human Services or the director's designee;

3. The Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine or the chief executive officer's designee;

4. The following persons appointed by the President of the Senate:

A. One professional in the field of dental health;

B. One member of the public who has recognized expertise in the education or recruitment of health practioners; and

C. Two Senators, no more than one from the majority party; and

5. The following persons appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives: