RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require Legislative Approval of Any State of Emergency Lasting Longer than 60 Days
Summary
LD 789 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit a governor-declared state of emergency in Maine to 60 days unless the Legislature approves any continuation beyond that period. The resolution also provides that each subsequent state of emergency would likewise be limited to 60 days and would require legislative approval to continue. If adopted by the Legislature, the proposal would be submitted to Maine voters at a statewide election for ratification.
The measure is framed as a referendum question asking voters whether they favor amending the Maine Constitution to impose this 60-day cap and legislative approval requirement. The bill includes the standard procedures for ballot preparation, voting, canvassing, and proclamation of ratification if a majority of voters approve the amendment.
Impact
If enacted and ratified, this resolution would change the Maine Constitution by reducing unilateral executive authority during emergencies and creating a legislative check on extended emergency declarations. It would affect the Governor’s power to maintain states of emergency beyond 60 days and would require future emergency extensions or renewals to receive legislative approval, thereby shifting some emergency-management authority to the Legislature and potentially affecting state agencies, local governments, and emergency response operations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill title and the available context, the measure appears to be supported by sponsors who favor greater legislative oversight of emergency powers. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no direct evidence of broader support or opposition in the provided materials. The overall tone of the proposal is institutional and procedural rather than partisan, but it clearly reflects concern about the duration of executive emergency authority.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance of power between the Governor and the Legislature during emergencies. Supporters are likely to argue that long-running emergency declarations should not continue without elected legislative review, while opponents may view the proposal as reducing executive flexibility and slowing the state’s ability to respond to prolonged crises. Because no committee discussion or votes are provided, specific objections or endorsements from named lawmakers are not available in the record supplied.