126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1602		LR 2511(02)
	Resolve, Establishing the Commission To Study the Effects of Ocean Acidification and Its Potential Effects on Commercial Shellfish Harvested and Grown along the Maine Coast
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Marine Resources
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study
Legislative Cost/Study
	The general operating expenses of this study commission are projected to be $1,250 in fiscal year 2013-14 and $1,750 in fiscal year 2014-15.  The Legislature's proposed budget includes $10,000 in fiscal year 2013-14 and $10,000 in fiscal year 2014-15 for legislative studies.  Whether the amounts are sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.  The additional costs of providing staffing assistance to the study during the interim can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted staff resources.  This study commission is contingent on sufficient outside funding being provided and approved by the Legislative Council.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Any additional costs to the Department of Marine Resources, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Department of Environmental Protection to serve on the commission and study the effects of coastal and ocean acidification are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.