LEGISLATIVE RECORD - HOUSE, February 25, 2003
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
17th Legislative Day
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
The House met according to adjournment and was called to order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Reverend Carl Geores, Monmouth (retired).
National Anthem by Kayla Hopkins, Maranacook Middle School, Manchester.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Doctor of the day, Richard Flowerdew, M.D., Falmouth.
The Journal of Thursday, February 20, 2003 was read and approved.
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SENATE PAPERS
Bill "An Act To Provide that Gas Purchased for Use in a Generator Be Taxed for Commercial Use"
(S.P. 264) (L.D. 785)
Came from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on TAXATION and ordered printed.
On motion of Representative LEMOINE of Old Orchard Beach, the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION in NON-CONCURRENCE and sent for concurrence.
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Non-Concurrent Matter
Bill "An Act to Increase Faculty in Maine Nursing Education Programs"
(H.P. 541) (L.D. 735)
REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS in the House on February 14, 2003.
Came from the Senate REFERRED to the Committee on BUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in NON-CONCURRENCE.
The House voted to RECEDE AND CONCUR.
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Non-Concurrent Matter
Resolve, To Improve Fisheries Management in Hancock County
(H.P. 601) (L.D. 824)
REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in the House on February 20, 2003.
Came from the Senate REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE in NON-CONCURRENCE.
On motion of Representative McKEE of Wayne, TABLED pending FURTHER CONSIDERATION and later today assigned.
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Non-Concurrent Matter
Bill "An Act To Increase Community Development Block Grants"
(H.P. 670) (L.D. 913)
REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS in the House on February 20, 2003.
Came from the Senate REFERRED to the Committee on BUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in NON-CONCURRENCE.
The House voted to RECEDE AND CONCUR.
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At this point, a message came from the Senate, borne by Senator Treat of Kennebec of that Body, proposing a Joint Convention of both Branches to be held in the Hall of the House at 11:00 in the morning for the purpose of extending to the Honorable Joseph W. Westphal, Chancellor of the University of Maine System, and the Honorable John Fitzsimmons, President of the Maine Technical College System, an invitation to attend the Joint Convention and to make such communication as pleases them.
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Thereupon the House voted to concur in the proposal for a Joint Convention to be held at 11:00 in the morning and the Speaker appointed Representative RICHARDSON of Brunswick to convey this message to the Senate.
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COMMUNICATIONS
The Following Communication: (H.C. 42)
STATE OF MAINE
121ST MAINE LEGISLATURE
January 29, 2003
Joseph Westphal, Chancellor
University of Maine System
107 Maine Avenue
Bangor, ME 04401
Dear Chancellor Westphal:
We are pleased to invite you to address a Joint Session of the 121st Maine Legislature on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. concerning the State of the University of Maine System and any other matters that you may care to bring to our attention.
On the same day, following your address, John Fitzsimmons, President of the Maine Technical College System, will be addressing the Joint Convention.
We look forward to seeing you then.
Sincerely,
S/Beverly C. Daggett
President of the Senate
S/Patrick Colwell
Speaker of the House
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 43)
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM
107 MAINE AVENUE
BANGOR, MAINE 04401-4380
January 31, 2003
The Honorable Beverly C. Daggett
President of the Senate
121st Maine Legislature
State of Maine
Augusta, ME 04333
The Honorable Patrick Colwell
Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State of Maine
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Thank you for your January 29, 2003 invitation to address a Joint Session of the 121st Maine Legislature on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 on the topic of the State of the University System. I accept and look forward to it.
As you know, the University System continues to reach new levels in student enrollment, academic degrees awarded, federal
research investment, and public service and outreach activities that benefit individuals, businesses, schools and organizations throughout the state. Much credit for these successes must be given to our faculty and staff, who have worked extremely hard to serve the needs of the University System's many constituencies.
However, credit also must be given to former Governor King and the 118th, 119th, and 120th Maine Legislatures, which invested in our state universities to enhance their quality, performance, and service to Maine people. You and your colleagues helped make it possible for our universities to generate and produce a broad range of results that strengthen our state in many ways. I intend to speak to these issues and others during my presentation on February 25.
Thank you again for the invitation. Best wishes to you as you address the many challenges and opportunities facing our state.
Sincerely,
S/Joseph W. Westphal, Ph.D.
Chancellor
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 44)
STATE OF MAINE
121ST MAINE LEGISLATURE
January 29, 2003
John Fitzsimmons, President
Maine Technical College System
131 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Fitzsimmons:
We are pleased to invite you to address a Joint Session of the 121st Maine Legislature on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 concerning the State of the Maine Technical College System and any other matters that you may care to bring to our attention. We will begin the Joint Session at 11:00 a.m. with an address from Joseph Westphal, Chancellor of the University Maine System. You will address the Joint Convention directly following the Chancellor.
We look forward to seeing you then.
Sincerely,
S/Beverly C. Daggett
President of the Senate
S/Patrick Colwell
Speaker of the House
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 45)
MAINE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
323 STATE STREET
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04330-7131
February 3, 2003
The Honorable Beverly C. Daggett
President of the Senate
121st Maine Legislature
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0003
The Honorable Patrick Colwell
Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
2 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0002
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Thank you for your letter of January 29, 2003, inviting me to address a Joint Session of the 121st Maine Legislature on Tuesday, February 25th. On behalf of Maine's Technical College employees and students, it is with great pride that I accept your kind invitation. I look forward to sharing with you my thoughts on the state of the Maine Technical College System.
Thank you again for your invitation.
Sincerely yours,
S/John Fitzsimmons, Ed.D.
President
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 46)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
February 18, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety has voted unanimously to report the following bill out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 461 Resolve, Requiring the State Police To Develop a Form for Use in Private Firearm Sales
We have also notified the sponsor and cosponsors of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. Ethan Strimling
Senate Chair
S/Rep. George H. Bunker, Jr.
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 47)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
February 18, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources has voted unanimously to report the following bill out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 30 An Act to Appropriate Funds for Special Testing at the Norridgewock Landfill
We have also notified the sponsor and cosponsors of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. John L. Martin
Senate Chair
S/Rep. Theodore Koffman
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 48)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
February 18, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government has voted unanimously to report the following bills out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 24 An Act to Create the State Government Information Clearinghouse
L.D. 27 Resolve, Directing the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to Develop a Database of Historic or At-risk Areas and Sites in the State
L.D. 78 RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Provide for the Direct Election of the Secretary of State
We have also notified the sponsors and cosponsors of each bill listed of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. Margaret Rotundo
Senate Chair
S/Rep. Janet L. McLaughlin
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 49)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON TAXATION
February 20, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation has voted unanimously to report the following bills out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 62 An Act to Promote Equity Among Health Care Clinics
L.D. 146 An Act to Establish a Tax Credit for Parents who Homeschool Their Children
L.D. 154 An Act to Provide a Sales Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Organizations That Provide Food and Lodging for Family Members of Patients in Hospitals
L.D. 198 An Act to Fund the Fund for a Healthy Maine From an Increase in Liquor Taxes
L.D. 216 An Act to Provide an Income Tax Deduction for a Qualified State-sponsored 529 Plan for Higher Education Expenses
L.D. 246 An Act To Promote and Facilitate Personal Retirement Saving in Maine
We have also notified the sponsors and cosponsors of each bill listed of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. Stephen Stanley
Senate Chair
S/Rep. David G. Lemoine
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 50)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
February 18, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation has voted unanimously to report the following bills out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 15 An Act to Add the Steel Bridge in New Sharon to the State's List of Historic Bridges
L.D. 63 An Act to Protect Motor Vehicles From Dangerous Pedestrians
L.D. 205 RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Permit Funding of Public Transportation from Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Fuel Revenues
We have also notified the sponsors and cosponsors of each bill listed of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. Pamela H. Hatch
Senate Chair
S/Rep. Ronald E. Usher
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 51)
STATE OF MAINE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE ON UTILITIES AND ENERGY
February 18, 2003
Honorable Beverly C. Daggett, President of the Senate
Honorable Patrick Colwell, Speaker of the House
121st Maine Legislature
State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Daggett and Speaker Colwell:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, we are writing to notify you that the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy has voted unanimously to report the following bill out "Ought Not to Pass":
L.D. 29 An Act to Eliminate the Telephone Service Tax Dedicated to Libraries and Schools
We have also notified the sponsor and cosponsors of the Committee's action.
Sincerely,
S/Sen. Christopher Hall
Senate Chair
S/Rep. Lawrence Bliss
House Chair
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 52)
STATE OF MAINE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SPEAKER'S OFFICE
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 20, 2003
Honorable Millicent MacFarland
Clerk of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear Clerk MacFarland:
Pursuant to my authority under M.R.S.A. Title 20-A § 11053, I am pleased to appoint Representative Jonathan Thomas of Orono to serve as a member of New England Board of Higher Education.
If you have any questions regarding this appointment, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
S/Patrick Colwell
Speaker of the House
READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE.
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The Following Communication: (H.C. 53)
STATE OF MAINE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SPEAKER'S OFFICE
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 20, 2003
Honorable Millicent MacFarland
Clerk of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear Clerk MacFarland:
Pursuant to my authority under P.L. 1997, Chapter 790, I am pleased to appoint the following Representatives to the Children's Mental Health Oversight Committee:
Representative Marie Laverriere-Boucher of Biddeford
Representative Lillian LaFontaine O'Brien of Lewiston
Representative Marilyn E. Canavan of Waterville
Representative Julie Ann O'Brien of Augusta
If you have any questions regarding these appointments, please do not hesitate to contact me.