Whereas, on July 21, 2000 the Federal Communications Commission determined that there was sufficient public benefit to justify the use of a scarce public resource to assign 2-1-1 to be used for access to community information and referral services; and

Whereas, the Legislature finds that the implementation of a single, easy-to-use telephone number, 2-1-1, and an Internet database for public access to information and referral for health and human services and disaster-related information will benefit the citizens of this State by providing easier access to available health and human services, by reducing inefficiencies in connecting people with the desired service providers and by reducing duplication of effort; and

Whereas, 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of this State and controlled by the United Way of Greater Portland, in consultation with the other United Way agencies serving this State and Ingraham, has been organized for the purpose of operating a 2-1-1 information and referral service serving this State; and

Whereas, 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated has retained Ingraham to operate the 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated call center and maintain and update the information database to be used by the call center; and

Whereas, the Legislature finds that Ingraham is an experienced provider of information and referral services operating statewide Maine and is capable of operating the 2-1-1 Maine, Incorporated call center and maintaining and updating the associated database; and

Whereas, the Legislature further finds that there is currently no entity authorized to provide information and referral services in Maine using the FCC-reserved 2-1-1 telephone number; and

Whereas, the Public Utilities Commission has determined that it has no jurisdiction to designate an information and referral service provider entitled to use the 2-1-1 telephone number in this State; 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,