ME SP0726

Amends Joint Rule 308 to require the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House to consider a bill sponsor's written request when determining appropriate committee references

Removes the provision allowing the Secretary and Clerk to refer bills to committees when the Legislature is not in session or in recess

Establishes a process for committee chairs and leads to challenge bill references: if a majority agree the reference is inappropriate before scheduling a public hearing, they can recommend a change of committee reference

Requires bills retained by a committee after undergoing reference determination to be scheduled for a public hearing

Sponsored by Senator Bennett (R) of Oxford County