37-B §158. Maine Military Family Relief Fund

Title 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HEADING: PL 1997, C. 455, §9 (RPR)

Chapter 3: MILITARY BUREAU

Subchapter 2: ADMINISTRATION

§158. Maine Military Family Relief Fund

The Maine Military Family Relief Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund in the department administered according to rules adopted by the Adjutant General. Except as provided in subsection 1, the Adjutant General is authorized to award loans and grants from the fund for emergencies and other special needs to members or families of members of the Maine National Guard or residents of the State who are members or families of members of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States and to distribute funds to a statewide nonprofit organization established for the purpose of providing assistance to members or families of members of the Maine National Guard or residents of the State who are members or families of members of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Military Bureau shall adopt rules establishing eligibility criteria for the loans and grants. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [2009, c. 481, §6 (AMD).]

1. We Support Our Troops Advisory Board. The We Support Our Troops Advisory Board, as established by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 84-A and referred to in this subsection as "the board," shall determine the use of the revenue in the fund that is attributable to the issuance and renewal of the We Support Our Troops registration plates established in Title 29-A, section 456-D. The board consists of 9 members:

A. Eight members appointed by the Governor, in consultation with the Adjutant General:

(1) Two persons, each representing the interests of the Maine National Guard;

(2) Two persons, each representing the interests of Maine residents in the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States; and

(3) Four persons representing the interests of the public; and [2009, c. 481, §6 (NEW).]

B. The Adjutant General. [2009, c. 481, §6 (NEW).]

The Adjutant General serves during the Adjutant General's term of office. The terms of members appointed under paragraph A are for 3 years. Members may be reappointed for subsequent terms. A vacancy must be filled in the same manner as an original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

The board shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters by June 30th of each year. The report must provide a detailed account of funds for each fiscal year and include the number of loans and grants awarded, the names of those who received loans and grants, a description of the process for awarding loans and grants and the total amount of loan and grant money awarded.

[ 2009, c. 481, §6 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY

2003, c. 703, §2 (NEW). 2009, c. 481, §6 (AMD).