TITLE I
THE STATE AND ITS GOVERNMENT
Chapter 4-A
TRANSFER OF POWER TO GOVERNOR-ELECT
Section 4-A:1
4-A:1 Declaration of Purpose. –
The general court declares it to be the purpose of this chapter to promote the orderly transfer of the executive power in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a governor and the inauguration of a governor-elect. It is the further intent of the general court to avoid any disruption occasioned by transfer of the executive power and to assume continuity in conduct of the affairs of the state government.
Source. 1975, 452:1, eff. Aug. 19, 1975.
Section 4-A:2
4-A:2 Definitions. –
In this chapter, "governor-elect" means the person who is the apparent successful candidate for the office of governor, as ascertained by the secretary of state following the general election. The term governor-elect shall apply to such candidate from the day of election certification by the secretary of state until the day of his inauguration.
Source. 1975, 452:1, eff. Aug. 19, 1975.
Section 4-A:3
4-A:3 Office Space Authorized. –
The legislative leadership is authorized to provide, upon request, to the governor-elect for use in connection with his preparation for the assumption of official duties as governor, suitable office space within the state house, appropriately equipped with furniture, furnishings, office machines and equipment.
Source. 1975, 452:1, eff. Aug. 19, 1975.
Section 4-A:4
4-A:4 Expenditure Authorized Within the Amount Appropriated. –
I. The commissioner of administrative services is authorized to provide, upon request, to each governor-elect, for use in connection with his preparation for the assumption of official duties as governor, necessary services and facilities, including:
(a) Office supplies as determined by the commissioner of administrative services after consultation with the governor-elect.
(b) Payment of the compensation of members of office staffs designated by the governor-elect at rates determined by him; provided that any employee of any agency of any branch of the state government may be detailed to such staffs on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis, after consultation with the department head involved; and while so detailed such employee shall be responsible to the governor-elect for the performance of his duties; provided further, that any employee so detailed shall continue to receive the compensation provided pursuant to law for his regular employment, and shall retain the rights and privileges of such employment without interruption. Notwithstanding any other law, persons receiving compensation as members of office staffs under this subparagraph, other than those detailed from agencies, shall not be held or considered to be employees of the state government, except for purposes of the public employees' retirement system.
(c) Payment of expenses for the procurement of services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof for the governor-elect may be authorized at rates not to exceed $100 per diem for individuals.
(d) Payment of travel expenses and subsistence allowances, including rental by the state government of hired motor vehicles, found necessary by the governor-elect, as authorized for persons employed intermittently or for persons serving without compensation, as may be appropriate.
(e) Communication services found necessary by the governor-elect.
(f) Payment of expenses for necessary printing and binding.
(g) Each governor-elect shall be entitled to expenses for postage, including airmail, sent by him in connection with his preparations for the assumption of official duties as governor.
II. The commissioner of administrative services shall expend no funds for the provision of services and facilities under this chapter in connection with any obligations incurred by the governor-elect before the day following the date of the general elections.
III. If the governor-elect is the incumbent governor, there shall be no expenditures of funds for the provision of services and facilities to such incumbent under this chapter, and any funds appropriated for such purposes shall be returned to the general funds of the treasury.
Source. 1975, 452:1. 1985, 399:3, I, eff. July 1, 1985.
Section 4-A:5
4-A:5 Duties of Outgoing Governor. –
It shall be the duty of a governor whose term has expired and who has not been re-elected to make available to the governor-elect all official documents, vital information and procedural manuals necessary for a full and complete understanding of the operation of the executive branch and especially of those on-going items that will require action subsequent to the expiration of the incumbent governor's term.
Source. 1975, 452:1, eff. Aug. 19, 1975.
Section 4-A:6
4-A:6 Budget Review and Preparation. –
The commissioner of administrative services shall provide the governor-elect with all facilities reasonably necessary to permit him to review and familiarize himself with the state's budgetary processes and the state budget as passed. The commissioner of administrative services shall further provide all necessary assistance to the governor-elect in the preparation of his budget.
Source. 1975, 452:1. 1985, 399:3, I, eff. July 1, 1985.
Section 4-A:7
4-A:7 Budget Appropriation Request. –
The governor shall include in the budget transmitted to the general court, for each fiscal year in which the governor's regular term of office will expire, an appropriation not to exceed $75,000 for carrying out the purpose of this chapter.
Source. 1975, 452:1. 1997, 351:2, eff. July 1, 1997.