Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill SP1004

Caption

Joint Order, to Carry over to Any Special Session of the 131st Legislature All Legislation Not Finally Disposed of

Impact

The proposed carryover mechanism is expected to have significant implications for state law and governance. It is designed to facilitate a more streamlined approach to handling legislative business by reducing the need to reintroduce and debate previously discussed bills. This could lead to a more productive legislative environment where pressing issues can be revisited without unnecessary delays. Supporters argue that this approach could enhance the responsiveness of the legislature to ongoing social and economic problems, ensuring that the government remains attuned to the needs of its constituents.

Summary

SP1004 is a legislative measure which addresses the continuity of legislative efforts by allowing all bills that are not finalized at the end of the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature to be carried over to any special session of the legislature. This bill aims to ensure that important legislative priorities do not fall through the cracks due to timing issues at the end of regular sessions. By enabling a carryover, it seeks to increase the efficiency of legislative processes and ensure that unresolved matters can be addressed in subsequent sessions without having to start anew.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SP1004 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who value efficiency in governance. Advocates of the bill, likely from both parties, highlight the necessity of addressing unfinished business in a timely manner. However, there may be lingering concerns from some members about the implications of carryover on legislative priorities and transparency, as discussions from the initial sessions could potentially be overshadowed in subsequent sessions.

Contention

Despite the support, there are notable points of contention regarding SP1004. Critics may express worries about the potential for legislative overload during special sessions, as combining multiple unfinished bills from a regular session could overwhelm legislative schedules. Furthermore, the automatic carryover might inadvertently limit the ability of newer issues to gain the attention they deserve, thus creating challenges in balancing ongoing legislative responsibilities with emergent concerns.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME SP1005

Joint Order, to Carry Over Legislation Not Finally Disposed of to Any Special Session of the 131st Legislature

ME SP1006

Joint Order, Carrying Over to a Special Session of the 131st Legislature All Legislation Not Finally Disposed of on Adjournment of the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature

ME HP1482

Joint Order, To Carry Over to Any Special Session All Legislation Not Finally Disposed of on Adjournment

ME SP0847

Joint Order, to Carry Over Certain Matters from the First Special Session of the 131st Legislature

ME SP0594

Joint Order to Carry Over Matters from the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature

ME SP0519

Joint Order to Carry Over to the Next Special or Regular Session Matters Not Disposed of in the First Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature

ME SP0004

Joint Order, Regarding the Legislative Record for the 131st Legislature

ME SP0747

Joint Order, Providing Authorization to Committees of the Legislature to Report Out Bills to the First Special Session of the 131st Legislature

ME SP0800

Joint Order, to Carry Over Certain Matters from the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature

ME SP0001

Joint Order, to Adopt the Joint Rules of the 131st Legislature with Changes

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.