§1002. Meetings of commission

1.  Meeting schedule.  The commission shall meet in Augusta for the purposes of this chapter at least once per month in any year in which primary and general elections are held. In the 28 days preceding an election, the commission shall meet in Augusta within 2 business days of the filing of any complaint with the commission, unless the complainant and respondent agree otherwise. Regardless of whether the complainant or respondent agree, the commission may defer until after the election considering complaints determined by the chair to involve allegations of minor violations of this chapter or chapter 14, such as disclaimer statements omitted from campaign signs or transactions of less than $100 omitted from campaign finance reports.

[PL 2011, c. 389, §2 (AMD).]

2.  Telephone meetings.  The commission may hold meetings over the telephone if necessary, as long as the commission provides notice to all affected parties in accordance with the rules of the commission and the commission’s office remains open for attendance by complainants, witnesses, the press and other members of the public. Notwithstanding Title 1, chapter 13, telephone meetings of the commission are permitted:

A. During the 28 days prior to an election when the commission is required to meet within 2 business days of the filing of any complaint with the commission; or   [PL 2011, c. 389, §2 (AMD).]

B. To address procedural or logistical issues before a monthly meeting, such as the scheduling of meetings, deadlines for parties' submission of written materials, setting of meeting agenda, requests to postpone or reschedule agenda items, issuing subpoenas for documents or witnesses and recusal of commission members.   [PL 2007, c. 571, §5 (NEW).]

[PL 2011, c. 389, §2 (AMD).]

3.  Other meetings.  The commission shall meet at other times on the call of the Secretary of State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House or the chair or a majority of the members of the commission, as long as all members are notified of the time, place and purpose of the meeting at least 24 hours in advance.

[PL 2007, c. 571, §5 (NEW).]

4.  Office hours before election.  The commission office must be open with adequate staff resources available to respond to inquiries and receive complaints from 8 a.m. until at least 5:30 p.m. on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday immediately preceding an election.

[PL 2011, c. 389, §2 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 430, §7 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 470, §4 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 667, §A43 (RPR). PL 2007, c. 571, §5 (RPR). PL 2011, c. 389, §2 (AMD).