Bill > LD789

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the Governor's ability to declare and maintain a state of emergency in Maine. Specifically, the amendment would restrict any state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor to a maximum duration of 60 days, after which the Legislature must explicitly approve the continuation of the emergency declaration. If approved by voters in a statewide referendum, the amendment would require that each subsequent 60-day extension of a state of emergency must receive legislative approval. The proposed change would be placed before voters in the November election following the bill's passage, with voters asked to vote "Yes" or "No" on the constitutional amendment. If a majority of voters support the amendment, it would become part of the Maine Constitution upon the Governor's proclamation, effectively introducing a new check on executive emergency powers by mandating regular legislative review and consent for prolonged emergency declarations.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=789&snum=132