Sec. 1. 4 MRSA c. 33 is amended by repealing the chapter headnote and enacting the following in its place:

CHAPTER 33

MAINE COURT FACILITIES AUTHORITY

Sec. 2. 4 MRSA §1601, as amended by PL 1997, c. 523, §2, is further amended to read:

§1601. Short title

This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Maine Governmental Court Facilities Authority Act."

Sec. 3. 4 MRSA §1602, as amended by PL 1997, c. 523, §2, is further amended by repealing and replacing the headnote to read:

§1602. Maine Court Facilities Authority; members; compensation

Sec. 4. 4 MRSA §1602, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 523, §2, is further amended to read:

1. Establishment; membership. The Maine Governmental Court Facilities Authority is created as a body corporate and politic and a public instrumentality of the State. The exercise by the authority of powers conferred by this chapter is considered to be the performance of essential governmental functions. The authority consists of 5 members, one of whom is the Treasurer of State, serving as an ex officio, voting member, one of whom is the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services, serving as an ex officio, voting member, and 3 other members who shall each serve for a term of 5 years and are appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government and confirmation by the Legislature. Any member of the authority may be removed by the Governor for cause. In the event of vacancy occurring in the membership, the Governor shall appoint a replacement member for the remainder of that term. Each member of the authority shall serve until that member's successor is appointed and qualified. Any member of the authority is eligible for reappointment.

A. The initial appointed members of the authority are appointed in a manner to stagger the terms of the members. Of the initial 3 appointed members, one is appointed to a term of 3 years; one is appointed to a term of 4 years and one is appointed to a term of 5 years.