FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2011
Contact: Dave Lackey
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Summers Implements
Rulemaking Moratorium, Will Scrutinize Pending Rules

AUGUSTA — Maine Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. today said he has implemented an immediate moratorium on rulemaking within the bureaus overseen by his office, and will immediately identify unneeded, outdated and unnecessary rules, and conduct an exhaustive review of existing and pending rules to likewise prevent unneeded rulemaking and burdens on business.  The moratorium will be in place for six months, and may be extended as necessary.

?This rulemaking moratorium is critical to the Secretary of State?s office, and also to improving Maine?s business climate and eliminating the types of regulations and rules that for too long have made our state unpalatable to job growth,? Summers said.?

?A review of rules and regulations overseen by the Secretary of State?s office is important because, while the office is authorized under Maine?s Constitution and therefore theoretically outside of those impacted by the Governor’s Executive Order, many of the rules and regulations issued through this department can be equally onerous – and, in many cases, may be unnecessary of considerably outdated.  I’m convinced this review will pay off by eliminating numerous rules and regulations, and hopefully identifying potential changes in law or rule that can further streamline future business and other requirements.”

Maine’s Secretary of State, elected by the legislature as a Constitutional Officer and as such governed by the Maine Constitution rather than by the Governor and Executive Department, maintains a wide array of responsibilities that may issue rules or regulations, including:

Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions - responsible for recording and overseeing corporate registrations; filings under the uniform commercial code; and numerous other official proclamations, registration of commissions and notary public and dedimus justice positions, and other areas; and positions such as notary public and commission reviews.  The bureau also is responsible for setting the date for special elections and overseeing the electoral process in advance of primary and general elections.

Bureau of Motor Vehicles ? oversees branch offices throughout the state for driver licensing and registration, as well as testing new drivers;? also responsible for maintaining thorough records on individual driving records, automobile and commercial vehicle registrations, and other information such as certificates of title.

Maine State Archives ? maintains the state?s historic archives and a wide variety of documents important to the state, including the state constitution; civil war records and reminiscences (including those of former Gov. Joshua Chamberlain).