WHEREAS, the State of Maine has over $395 million in unclaimed property, including uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and other financial assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located after a specific period of time; and

WHEREAS, for over four decades, the State of Maine has received millions of dollars turned over annually by entities who cannot locate the owners and has made a commitment to reuniting these financial assets to their rightful owners; and

WHEREAS, Maine has recently experienced the tragic deaths of two students in transportation-related incidents; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Maine students rely on school transportation each day to attend school and school-related activities; and

WHEREAS, these recent tragedies warrant a comprehensive review to ensure that current laws, regulations, and operating practices continue to protect students effectively; and