Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a permanent commission on the status of Maine's racial and ethnic populations.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Maine Tribal Populations to promote, implement, and coordinate programs that create and improve opportunities and incorporate the goal of eliminating disparities for historically disadvantaged racial, indigenous, and tribal populations (Sec. 2).

• Requires the commission to be made up of individuals who represent the diverse racial, indigenous, and tribal populations in Maine (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House to consider and appoint residents of Maine who are knowledgeable about problems facing racial, indigenous, and tribal populations in Maine, and experienced in advocacy regarding racial, indigenous, and tribal populations’ issues, specifically if they lead or have led programs or activities that create and improve opportunities for racial, indigenous, and tribal populations (Sec. 2).

• Requires the President of the Senate to appoint (Sec. 2):

• A representative of a statewide organization promoting civil rights and focusing on racial justice or racial equity as its primary mission;

• A representative of an economic policy organization or other data-focused organization;

• A representative of an organization with expertise in legal and policy matters regarding public benefit programs that assist individuals with low incomes;

• A faculty member of a college or university in Maine specializing in the history, the culture, or the civil and human rights of historically disadvantaged racial, indigenous, and tribal populations; and

• A representative of organized labor with expertise in labor rights and working conditions.

• Requires the Speaker of the House to appoint (Sec. 2):

• A representative of an immigrant or refugee rights organization;

• A representative from a housing or homelessness advocacy organization;

• A representative of a community development financial institution; and

• A representative of a historically disadvantaged racial population of the state.

• Requires the Governor to appoint (Sec. 2):

• A member of the public representing the faith-based community; and

• A member of the public representing youth;

• A representative from each of the federally recognized Indian tribes in Maine.

• Specifies that members of the commission serve two year terms, though a member is allowed to serve multiple terms (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the membership of any member of the commission will be terminated if the member is absent for three consecutive meetings without communicating good cause to a chair of the commission (Sec. 2).

• Requires the commission to select three chairs from the members of the commission, who have the authorization to appoint subcommittees (Sec. 2).

• Requires the commission to meet at the call of the chairs at least four times each year (Sec. 2).

• Appropriates $1,000 to the Department of Labor for Racial, Indigenous, and Maine Tribal Populations (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text