LAW WITHOUT
GOVERNOR'S CHAPTER
SIGNATURE
86
JUNE 22, 2021 RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE
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S.P. 259 - L.D. 826
Resolve, Directing the University of Maine System To Study the Potential
Effects of the State Adopting Atlantic Standard Time
Sec. 1. Permanent Atlantic Standard Time study and analysis. Resolved:
That the University of Maine System shall, within available resources, study and analyze
the potential effects on public health and the State's economy of the State adopting
permanent Atlantic Standard Time and determine if that adoption will serve the
convenience of commerce as required by the United States Department of Transportation.
In conducting the study, the University of Maine System shall examine:
1. The current effects of the practice of setting clocks forward and backward, including
but not limited to physical health, mental health and economic effects as determined by
both scientific research and public opinion; and
2. Whether adopting permanent Atlantic Standard Time will negatively affect business
shipping and receiving of goods and products; the ability of residents to receive important
television and radio broadcasts and timely news and information; bus, passenger rail and
airline services across time zones; residents who engage in work, schooling, recreation,
health care or religious worship outside of the State's time zone; major elements of the
State's economy; and any current federal, state or local plans for economic development.
Funding for the study must be through private donations to the University of Maine
System and the University of Maine System is not required under this resolve to undertake
work for which it does not have or has not received sufficient resources.
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, by February 15, 2022, the University of Maine
System shall submit a report, including suggested legislation, based on its study and
analysis in section 1 to the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government. The
committee is authorized to submit legislation related to the report to the Second Regular
Session of the 130th Legislature.
Page 1 - 130LR1366(03)