ME LD1577

Establishes a 15-member Commission to Study and Recommend Solutions for Modernizing the Maine Legislature, with members appointed by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Governor, and Chief Justice

Commission membership includes 4 current or former Senators, 5 current or former House members (with bipartisan and independent representation), 4 nonpartisan legislative staff directors, and one appointee each from the Governor and Chief Justice

Commission must study 16 specific areas including: reducing legislature size, implementing unicameral vs. bicameral structure, professional vs. citizen legislature, year-round sessions, increasing term limits to 6-8 terms, technology improvements, remote access, and child-friendly facilities

Commission required to meet at least 10 times, allow remote public participation, and consult with the National Conference of State Legislatures on best practices

Report with findings, recommendations, and suggested legislation due to the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government by November 4, 2026, which may submit resulting legislation to the 133rd Legislature in 2027