LEGISLATORS' HANDBOOK

A Guide for Maine Legislators: Procedures, Services & Facts

10th Edition, December 1998

The Legislators' handbook, prepared by the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, is a practical reference manual to help newly elected Legislators become familiar with the legislative process as they begin their term in the 119th Legislature. The information presented in this handbook may be useful to state and local officials and other interested persons as well.

PREFACE

PART I. Legislative Procedures

• THE LEGISLATIVE SETTING
  Membership
  Terms
  Sessions
  Legislators' Duties
  Legislative Rules and Limits

• THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
  Bill Drafting and Introduction of Legislation
  The Committee Process
  Enactment
  Governor's Options on Enacted Bills
  Publication of Laws
  Further Action
• THE BUDGET PROCESS
  Formulation of the Budget
  Legislative Consideration
  General Fund and Highway Fund Revenue and
  Expenditure Forecasts
  Performance Budgeting
  General Fund Budget
  Budget Constraints

• THE LIMITS ON LEGISLATIVE ACTION
  Constitutional Limitations
  Federal Laws
  Legislative Rules

• SENATE AND HOUSE CALENDARS

• LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT
  Studies
  State Government Evaluation
  Review of Agency Rules
  Oversight of Agency Budgets
  Review of Gubernatorial Appointments

PART II. Administrative Information

• LEGISLATIVE SALARIES AND EXPENSES
  AND OTHER BENEFITS
  Legislative Salaries
  Session Expense Allowance
  Interim Expense Allowance
  Constituent Service Allowance
  Out-of-State Travel
  Health and Dental Insurance
  Legislative Retirement
  Leave of Absence to Serve as a Legislator
  Legislator's Federal Income Tax

• LAWS GOVERNING LEGISLATORS' CONDUCT
  Income Reporting
  Conflict of Interest
  Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices

• FREEDOM OF ACCESS: CONFIDENTIALITY

• AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMODATIONS

• LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE

• SMOKING POLICY

• SEXUAL HARASSMENT

PART III. Legislative Staff Services

• LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

• NON PARTISAN STAFF OFFICES
  Office of the Executive Director of the Legislative Council
  Law and Legislative Reference Library
  Office of Fiscal and Program Review
  Office of Policy and Legal Analysis
  Office of Revisor of Statutes
  Office of Legislative Information Services

• SENATE AND HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
  Secretary of the Senate
  Clerk of the House

• OTHER STAFF SERVICES
  Leadership Office Staff
  Committee Clerks

• OTHER SOURCES FOR LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
  National Conference of State Legislatures
  Council of State Governments

• REFERENCE MATERIALS
  Laws, Administrative Rules
  Directories
  Reports, Information
  Periodicals, Publications
  Other Materials of Interest
  Internet Resources

PART IV: Constitutional Officers

Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer of State
State Auditor

PART V. Glossary of Terms

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