Whereas, Public Law 1999, chapter 401 authorized the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services and the Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to report back to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs regarding a new forensic unit; and

Whereas, the report is require to be made by January 14, 2000, shortly after the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature convenes; and

Whereas, the current law fails to require the commissioners to report to the committee that oversees matters involving mental health, the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. A, §1, under the caption "ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF," in that part relating to "Bureau of General Services - Capital Construction and Improvement Reserve Fund," is amended by amending the blocked paragraph to read:

Provides funds for the programming study, feasibility planning and design work in fiscal year 2000 for the new Forensic Unit. The Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services and the Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, working jointly, shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs by January 14, 2000 and to the Joint Standing