Sec. 9. 5 MRSA §13124-B, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. E, §16, is amended to read:

2. Policy recommendation. Through the foundation, the University of Maine System and the EPSCoR steering committee, the Maine EPSCoR Program may recommend to the Governor and the Legislature policies and programs essential to the strengthening of the State's science and engineering infrastructure.

Sec. 10. 5 MRSA §13124-C, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. E, §16, is repealed.

Sec. 11. 5 MRSA §13126, as amended by PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. E, §17, is further amended to read:

§13126. Powers and duties of president

The president shall implement the policies and procedures of the foundation and is responsible for the administration of its programs. The president may enter into contracts with individuals or firms with the approval of the foundation for services necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this chapter. The president shall administer the centers for innovation program and may develop, administer and evaluate other programs and initiatives as required by the foundation. The president shall appoint and remove the staff of the office and prescribe their duties as may be necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the charter of the Maine Science and Technology Foundation by terminating the SBIR technical assistance program and the Centers for Innovation. This bill also amends the foundation's sole duty to administer the Maine Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research by directing joint administration of the program with the University of Maine System and the Maine Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research steering committee.