6. The members of the commission are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission.

7. The commission shall submit a report no later than December 7, 2005 that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Legislative Council. The commission is not authorized to introduce legislation. Upon receipt and review of the report, the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature.

8. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension.

9. The chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for its approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission's exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act in the following ways:

1. It lists the priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services in child protection matters as preservation of the family first, placement of the child with the closest appropriate next of kin second and placement in foster care only as a last resort;

2. It makes child protection records open to the public except in cases when a court determines the records should be sealed due to sexually explicit content;