CHAPTER 374

S.P. 559 - L.D. 1605

An Act To Amend the Law Relating to Multiple-employer

Welfare Arrangements

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, the Legislature authorizes employers to secure health insurance through multiple-employer welfare arrangements; and

Whereas, there are few options available to employers to secure health insurance for their employees; and

Whereas, multiple-employer welfare arrangements provide health insurance to thousands of Maine residents, and that health insurance should not be disrupted; and

Whereas, technical changes are required to the multiple-employer welfare arrangement laws to ensure the continued availability of health insurance through the multiple-employer welfare arrangement to Maine employers and employees; 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: