CHAPTER 63
S.P. 265 - L.D. 912
An Act to Amend the Harness Racing Laws to Provide for Staggered Terms
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Harness Racing Promotional Board is important to the harness racing industry; and
Whereas, continuity is important to the functioning of the Harness Racing Promotional Board; and
Whereas, changes in statutory provisions are needed to allow staggered terms for members of the board; 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. 8 MRSA §261-A, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1997, c. 528, §4, is further amended to read:
4. Term of office. Members of the commission serve 3-year terms. For appointments that expire in 2003, the Governor shall appoint one commissioner for a term of one year, 2 commissioners for a term of 2 years and 2 commissioners for a term of 3 years. Any vacancy is filled by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term of that member. Members whose terms expire serve until their successors are qualified and appointed.
Sec. 2. 8 MRSA §261-A, sub-§6, as amended by PL 1997, c. 527, §1 and c. 528, §5, is further amended to read:
6. Chair. The Governor shall appoint one of the 5 commission members who has no industry affiliation as chair. The chair serves at the pleasure of the Governor.
Sec. 3. 8 MRSA §285, sub-§3, as repealed and replaced by PL 1997, c. 735, §7, is amended to read:
3. Membership. The board consists of 9 members and 2 alternates appointed by the commissioner. Full, voting board members must be appointed by the commissioner as follows:
A. Two persons representing commercial tracks: one representing and recommended by each of the 2 commercial harness racing tracks in the State;
B. One person recommended by an association in the State representing harness horsemen;
C. Two persons recommended by an association in the State representing Standardbred breeders and owners;
D. One person nominated by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs;
E. One person who represents the interests of off-track betting facilities; and
F. Two persons who are members of the general public with an interest in harness racing.
Alternates must be members of the general public with an interest in harness racing. An alternate may cast a vote as a member of the board upon the absence of a full, voting member.
Members serve 3-year terms.
Sec. 4. 8 MRSA §285, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:
3-A. Terms. Members serve 3-year terms. For appointments that expire in 2001, the commissioner shall appoint 3 members for a term of one year, 3 members for a term of 2 years and 3 members for a term of 3 years. Any vacancy is filled by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term of that member. Members whose terms expire serve until their successors are qualified and appointed.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
Effective April 12, 2001.
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