summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development pursuant to Resolve 2025, chapter 114. The bill establishes the Maine Blue Economy Center as a body corporate and politic and a public instrumentality of the State to leverage and expand the State’s blue economy sector. The bill requires the center to submit an interim report upon appointment of all members of the center's board of directors and appropriates $1,000,000 in one-time funds in fiscal year 2026-27 for the center’s start- up costs. The committee has not taken a position on the substance of this bill. By reporting this bill out, the committee is not suggesting and does not intend to suggest that it agrees or disagrees with any aspect of this bill. The committee is reporting the bill out for the sole purpose of having a bill printed that can be referred to the committee for an appropriate public hearing and subsequent processing in the normal course. The committee is taking this action to ensure clarity and transparency in the legislative review of the proposals contained in the bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Maine Blue Economy Center as an independent public entity to foster and expand Maine's "blue economy sector," which encompasses activities related to aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean data, resilient coastal infrastructure, and sustainable marine propulsion, all aimed at improving health and the environment. The center will serve as a central coordinator for blue economy initiatives, gather and publish relevant data, attract funding, develop the sector's workforce, promote business growth, conduct workforce analyses, create strategic growth plans, enhance STEM education, facilitate research and development, engage the public, and market Maine's blue economy. It will be governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, including ex officio members from key state economic and educational bodies and appointed members representing various aspects of the blue economy, with initial appointments staggered for one, two, and three-year terms. The bill also creates the Maine Blue Economy Fund to support the center's operations and initiatives, including investments, grants, and loans to eligible "certified blue economy businesses" (businesses vetted by the board), research institutions, and educational institutions. The center is required to submit an interim report to the legislature after its board is fully appointed and an annual report detailing its activities, financial status, and future plans. Finally, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 in one-time funds for the center's startup costs in fiscal year 2026-27.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Last Action
(on 01/01/1900)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2216&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0903&item=1&snum=132 |
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