The Senate is the upper chamber of the Maine Legislature, and serves as the final confirming body of all bills passed before they are sent to the Governor. Under Article IV, Part Third, Section 9 of the Constitution of Maine, the Senate may originate all bills except those proposed for the purpose of raising revenue, provided that the amendment is not in fact used to introduce new raising of revenue. The Senate is the sole judge of the qualifications of its members. It maintains sole authority to punish or censure its own members; it has the power to imprison persons who are not Senators for contempt; it determines its own rules for Senate proceedings; and it maintains a permanent journal of its proceedings. By Constitutional Resolution, passed during the First Regular Session of the 107th Legislature and adopted by the voters in November, 1975, the Senate is empowered to confirm all gubernatorial nominations requiring Legislative approval (formerly confirmed by the Executive Council). Article IV, Part Second, Section 7, empowers the Senate to try all impeachments.

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