Maine LD 120: An Act Regarding The Committee Structure Of The State Workforce Board

Bill Text

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STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-THREE
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S.P. 59 - L.D. 120
An Act Regarding the Committee Structure of the State Workforce Board
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §2006, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 2019, c. 246, §4, is amended
to read:
2-A. Membership. The board consists of the Governor, or the Governor's designee,
and, at a minimum, the following members:
A. Representatives from business and industry, representatives from organized labor
and representatives of other interests as determined by the Governor. These
appointments are subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature
having jurisdiction over labor matters and confirmation by the Legislature; and
B. The following ex officio members:
(1) County commissioners designated by local boards appointed by the Governor;
(2) The Commissioner of Labor or the commissioner's designee;
(3) The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee;
(4) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development or the
commissioner's designee; and
(5) Other state, county or municipal officials as the Governor considers necessary
appointed by the Governor.
The appointments of these members are not subject to review by the joint standing
committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters or confirmation by
the Legislature.
Appointments must be consistent with the representation requirements of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act. The Governor shall ensure that the board has sufficient
expertise to effectively carry out the duties and functions of the board. Members must
represent diverse geographic areas of the State, including urban, rural and suburban areas.
Sec. 2. 26 MRSA §2006, sub-§5-B, as amended by PL 2017, c. 110, §17, is further
amended to read:
APPROVED
MARCH 29, 2023
BY GOVERNOR
CHAPTER
13
PUBLIC LAW

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5-B. Commission on Disability and Employment. In addition to its other duties, the
board, through its Commission on Disability and Employment, a standing committee
created pursuant to subsection 7, paragraph A, subparagraph (2) and referred to in this
subsection as "the standing committee," shall perform the duties of the former Governor's
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
A. The standing committee shall:
(1) Advise, consult and assist the executive and legislative branches of State
Government on activities of State Government that affect the employment of
disabled individuals with disabilities. The standing committee is solely advisory
in nature. The standing committee may advise regarding state and federal plans
and proposed budgetary, legislative or policy actions affecting disabled individuals
with disabilities;
(2) Serve as an advocate on behalf of disabled citizens with disabilities promoting
and assisting activities designed to further equal opportunity for people individuals
with disabilities;
(3) Conduct educational programs considered necessary to promote public
understanding of the employment-related needs and abilities of disabled citizens
of this State with disabilities;
(4) Provide information, training and technical assistance to promote greater
employer acceptance of disabled workers with disabilities;
(5) Advise and assist employers and other organizations interested in developing
employment opportunities for disabled people individuals with disabilities; and
(6) Work with state and local government officials, organizations representing
persons individuals with disabilities and the business community to inform the
public of the benefits of making facilities and services accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities.
B. The standing committee shall administer in accordance with current fiscal and
accounting regulations of the State, and in accordance with the philosophy, objectives
and authority of this subsection, any funds appropriated for expenditure by the standing
committee or any grants or gifts that may become available and are accepted and
received by the standing committee.
C. The standing committee shall submit an annual report directly to the Governor and
the Legislature not later than January 1st of each year concerning its work,
recommendations and interest of the previous fiscal year and future plans. The
standing committee shall make any interim reports it considers advisable.
D. The standing committee shall keep minutes of all meetings, including a list of
people in attendance.
E. The standing committee may employ, subject to the Civil Service Law, the staff
necessary to carry out its objectives. The standing committee may employ consultants
and contract for projects it determines necessary. To the extent feasible and reasonable,
the standing committee must be given the staff, facilities, equipment, supplies,
information and other assistance required to carry out its activities.

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F. The standing committee