12 M.R.S. § 1832 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1832
12 §1832. Access to nonreserved public lands
Status: in_force

1. Legislative policy. The Legislature declares that it is the policy of the State that full and free public access to the nonreserved public lands to the extent permitted by law, together with the rights to reasonable use of those lands, is the privilege of every citizen of the State. The Legislature further declares that it recognizes that such free and reasonable public access may be restricted to ensure the optimum value of such lands but that such restrictions, if and when imposed, must be in strict accordance with the requirements set out in this section. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Establishment of restrictions on public access. [PL 2001, c. 604, §8 (RP).]

3. Unlawful entry onto nonreserved public lands. [PL 2001, c. 604, §8 (RP).]

4. Development of public facilities. The bureau may construct and maintain overnight campsites and other camping and recreation facilities. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

5. User fees. The bureau may charge reasonable fees to defray the cost of constructing and maintaining overnight campsites and other camping and recreation facilities. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6749-Z — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6749-Z
12 §6749-Z. Changing zones
Status: in_force

1. Authorization of changes. Beginning in calendar year 1997, a person eligible to purchase a license under section 6749-O who wishes to change the zone in which the person harvests sea urchins may not change zones unless the change is authorized by the commissioner in accordance with this section. [PL 1995, c. 595, §5 (NEW).]

2. Zone change request on application. A person eligible to purchase a license under section 6749-O who wishes to change the zone in which that person was licensed to harvest sea urchins in the previous calendar year must indicate on a sea urchin harvesting license application a preference to change the zone in which the person harvests sea urchins. The commissioner shall stamp each sea urchin harvesting license application with the time and date of submission. [PL 1995, c. 595, §5 (NEW).]

3. Conditions for authorization. The total number of authorized change requests for Zone 1 during a licensing year must equal the total authorized requests for Zone 2. The commissioner shall authorize zone change requests in chronological order of requests received under this section. [PL 1999, c. 244, §7 (AMD).]

4. Limitation on approving zone changes. The commissioner may not authorize a zone change between August 1st and December 31st. [PL 1999, c. 26, §3 (NEW).]

5. Effective date of zone change. The effective date of a zone change authorized by the commissioner is August 1st. [PL 1999, c. 26, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6171-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 607 / Section 6171-B
12 §6171-B. Sustainable development of emerging fisheries
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Emerging fishery" means the commercial fishing for any marine organism, except herring and groundfish species, that requires a commercial fishing license issued under section 6501 or a commercial pelagic and anadromous fishing license issued under section 6502‑A . [PL 2025, c. 244, §1 (AMD).] B. "Endorsement" means an authorization, identified on a commercial fishing license issued under section 6501 or a commercial pelagic and anadromous fishing license issued under section 6502‑A , to harvest, possess, transport and sell a specific marine organism for which there is an emerging fishery. [PL 2025, c. 244, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 244, §1 (AMD).]

2. Determination of sustainability. The commissioner may investigate conditions affecting marine resources and, with the advice and consent of the Marine Resources Advisory Council, may require a person to hold an endorsement to participate in an emerging fishery if the commissioner determines that a marine organism or its habitat is under increasing pressure that could impact its sustainability or if the commissioner determines that a marine organism is becoming established in the waters of this State and that access to that marine organism must be limited to ensure its sustainable management. The commissioner shall ensure that emerging fisheries do not develop at a rate that is not sustainable on a long-term basis. Harvesters involved in an emerging fishery may petition the commissioner to investigate the sustainability of that emerging fishery. [PL 2025, c. 244, §2 (AMD).]

3. Eligibility for endorsements. The commissioner may limit the number of endorsements issued to control the number of individuals engaged in commercial harvesting in an emerging fishery, based on criteria established by rule. The commissioner may require the collection and timely reporting of any biological or environmental data as a condition of the endorsement. The commissioner's authority to limit the number of endorsements issued for a specific marine organism is limited to a period of 3 years from the date of the issue of the first endorsement, renewable for one 3-year extension. [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).]

4. Endorsement required. Notwithstanding sections 6501 and 6502‑A , a person may not fish for, take, possess, ship, transport or sell a marine organism for which an endorsement is required pursuant to subsection 2 unless that person holds a current commercial fishing license or a commercial pelagic and anadromous fishing license with an endorsement for that organism, except that a license with an endorsement is not required for that person to fish for, take, possess or transport the organism only for personal use. A fee may not be charged for an endorsement required pursuant to this section. [PL 2025, c. 244, §3 (AMD).]

5. Incidental harvest. Notwithstanding subsection 4 , the taking or possession at sea of a marine organism for which an endorsement is required is not prohibited if the taking is incidental to the harvesting of another organism. [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).]

6. Rule-making authority. The commissioner may adopt rules to establish eligibility for endorsements, the number of endorsements issued and reporting requirements. Rules authorized by this section must be adopted and amended in accordance with the procedures outlined in subchapter II and are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).]

7. Report. The commissioner, within 24 months of the issuance of the first endorsement for a marine organism, shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters regarding the status of the emerging fishery, management goals and objectives and control of access to the emerging fishery. In the report, the commissioner shall consider: A. The long-term sustainability of the resource; [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).] B. The impact of harvesting on other fisheries; and [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).] C. The department's ability to enforce and administer the management program. [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 297, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 544-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 544-B
12 §544-B. Responsibilities of commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner has the following responsibilities pertaining to natural areas. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).]

1. Conservation of natural areas. The commissioner shall promote conservation of natural areas by: A. Making available current and accurate information to all appropriate entities to interpret, educate or otherwise inform so as to support planning and conservation activities in this State; [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] B. Promoting voluntary action to conserve and protect natural areas in this State; [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] C. Entering into agreements with landowners of natural areas and registered critical areas to promote appropriate and effective management of these areas in order to maintain and enhance the natural value of these areas; and [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] D. Developing and disseminating educational or technical materials for the purpose of informing the general public and other interested persons or institutions about natural areas and the value of those areas. The commissioner may charge a reasonable fee for these materials. All income received by the commissioner from the sale of these publications and materials must be credited to a nonlapsing, dedicated revenue account and used for the purposes of this paragraph. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).]

2. Register of critical areas. The commissioner shall maintain a register of critical areas that must contain natural areas classified as critical areas as follows. A. In determining the classification of an area or site as a registered critical area, the commissioner shall consider: (1) The unique or exemplary natural qualities of the area or site; (2) The intrinsic fragility of the area or site and sensitivity to alteration or destruction; (3) The voluntary commitment to conserve or protect the area or site; (4) The present or future threat of alteration or destruction; and (5) The economic implications of inclusion of an area or site on the register. The commissioner, with the advice of the board, may remove a registered critical area from the register if the commissioner determines that the area or site no longer qualifies as a critical area. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] B. Each registered critical area must be documented with at least the following information: (1) A general description of the area or site; (2) A list of the endangered or threatened species or other unique or exemplary natural features occurring at the area or site, and reasons for inclusion in the register; (3) The size and location of the area or site; and (4) The name or names of the property owner or owners, contingent upon the consent of the owner or owners. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] C. The commissioner shall notify owners of natural areas of the natural value of their land and the implications of voluntary conservation. Subsequently a natural area may be placed upon the Register of Critical Areas with at least 60 days' notice before registration and the consent of the landowner. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 395, §10 (AMD).]

3. Endangered plants. The commissioner has the following responsibilities related to endangered plants. A. The commissioner shall establish and maintain the official list of native endangered and threatened plants of the State. The purpose of the list is informational and may be provided on an informational basis to public agencies, private institutions or individuals for environmental assessment, land management or educational purposes. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] B. The commissioner may establish procedures to substantiate the identification of endangered and threatened native plant species. In determining and revising the list, the commissioner shall use the rare plant database of the Natural Areas Program and the knowledge of botanists in the State. In addition, the commissioner shall consult with federal agencies, interested state agencies, other states or provinces having a common interest and other interested persons and organizations. The commissioner shall determine criteria for each category. When establishing the list, the commissioner shall consider aspects of plant biology that contribute to a species' rarity such as: (1) Endemism. The plant species or subspecies may be geographically restricted to the State or areas immediately adjacent to the State; (2) Scarcity. A plant species or subspecies may be numerically scarce throughout its distribution in North America and occur in only a few locations in the State; (3) Special habitat. A plant species or subspecies may require habitat that is scarce in the State; (4) Limit of range. A plant species or subspecies in the State may be at the edge of its distribution or disjunct from its main distribution; and (5) Population decline or vulnerability. A plant species or subspecies may be threatened or seriously declining due to habitat modification or destruction or from overcollection for commercial, recreational or educational purposes. [PL 2007, c. 395, §11 (AMD).] C. The commissioner shall conduct at least one public hearing to allow for public comment before establishing or revising the list. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] D. The commissioner shall review the list biennially and add or delete species based on new botanical inventory data, taxonomic or other scientific studies or other documentation. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 395, §11 (AMD).]

4. Sensitive information. The commissioner may withhold specific information on the location of a species or natural area and its component features if, in the judgment of the commissioner, disclosure of this information would threaten the existence of that species or natural area. The commissioner may not deny a landowner or landowner's designee information about species or natural areas occurring on the landowner's property or withhold this information from usual environmental review procedures of local, state or federal regulatory agencies. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6088 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6088
12 §6088. Municipal fees
Status: in_force

If a person submits an application to the commissioner for a lease or license under this subchapter and the municipality provides the commissioner with information necessary for the completion of that lease or license application, the municipality may not charge that person a fee of more than $50 for the administrative costs associated with providing that information to the commissioner on that person's behalf. [PL 2019, c. 112, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11208 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11208
12 §11208. Unlawful shooting or discharge of firearm or archery equipment
Status: in_force

1. Shooting or discharge of firearm or archery equipment over or near public paved way. A person may not: A. Shoot at any wild animal or wild bird from any public paved way or within 10 feet of the edge of the pavement of the public paved way or from within the right-of-way of any controlled access highway; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Discharge any firearm or archery equipment over a public paved way; or [PL 2023, c. 239, §20 (AMD).] C. Possess any wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of paragraph A or B , except as otherwise provided in this Part. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] This subsection does not prohibit a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon from possessing that weapon on or near a public paved way as long as it is not used for shooting at wild animals or wild birds or discharged in violation of this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 239, §20 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §139 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11157 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11157
12 §11157. Migratory waterfowl permit
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not hunt migratory waterfowl unless that person has a valid permit issued pursuant to this section. Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Issuance of permit. The commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent shall issue a migratory waterfowl hunting permit to an applicant 16 years of age or older permitting the applicant to hunt or possess migratory waterfowl. A person under 16 years of age may, without a permit, hunt or possess migratory waterfowl in accordance with this Part. Beginning January 1, 2016, for those persons who obtain a junior hunting license and turn 16 years of age during the same calendar year, the migratory waterfowl hunting permit is included even after the person has turned 16 years of age as long as that person is hunting on that person's valid junior hunting license and not longer than the remainder of the calendar year for which the license is issued. [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. D, §4 (AMD).]

3. Fee. The fee for a migratory waterfowl hunting permit is $7.50, 25¢ of which must be retained by the agent. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §16 (AMD).]

4. Expiration date. Migratory waterfowl hunting permits expire on December 31st of the year issued. A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §132 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §132 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §132 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12504-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12504-A
12 §12504-A. Fishing derby permits for educational institutions
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. A person may not conduct a fishing derby held by an educational institution that awards prizes in excess of $10,000 for a single fishing derby without a permit issued under this section. For purposes of this section, "educational institution" means an accredited postsecondary educational institution incorporated, chartered or established under the laws of the State. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).]

2. Application. An educational institution seeking approval to conduct a fishing derby pursuant to this section must submit an application to the commissioner in a manner and form to be designated by the commissioner. The application must include the educational institution's derby rules, any amendments or changes to the rules and a schedule of the dates, places and times of the proposed derby. The department shall accept applications after January 1st annually for derbies to be held during that year and process those applications in the order of receipt. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).]

3. Restrictions and requirements. The following restrictions and requirements apply to permits issued under this section. A. Rules adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 12504 are applicable to permits issued under this section, except rules limiting the cash value of prizes or concerning an ice fishing derby. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] B. A fishing derby may be conducted only in bodies of water free of ice. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] C. A person may not participate as an angler in a fishing derby unless that person is affiliated with the sponsoring educational institution, either as a student, a parent or sibling of a student, an alumnus or a staff member of the educational institution. A student may invite a single guest to participate in a derby held under this section. For purposes of this paragraph, "student" includes a current or incoming student. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] D. At least 80% of the prizes awarded at a fishing derby must be in the form of scholarships. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] E. An angler participating in a fishing derby may not use a motorboat. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] F. A fishing derby may not target cold-water species. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] G. A fishing derby must be an event that is only catch and release or catch, measure and release. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] H. An angler participating in a fishing derby may not have more than one rod per person or more than 2 rods per boat. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] I. An angler participating in a fishing derby may use artificial lures only. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).]

5. Penalty. Except as provided in section 12602 , the following penalties apply to violations of subsection 3 or rules adopted under subsection 4 . A. A person who violates subsection 3 or a rule adopted pursuant to subsection 4 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] B. A person who violates subsection 3 or a rule adopted under subsection 4 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 96, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 155 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 155
12 §155. Results of referendum; determination
Status: in_force

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall publish the result of such referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the territory affected and shall thereafter again consider and determine whether the operation of the district is administratively practicable and feasible. If the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall determine that the operation of such district is not administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and deny the petition. If the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall determine that the operation of such district is administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and shall proceed with the organization of the district in the manner provided. In making such determination, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall give due regard and weight to the attitude of the occupiers of lands lying within the defined boundaries, the number of land occupiers eligible to vote in such referendum who shall have voted, the proportion of the votes cast in such referendum in favor of the creation of the district to the total number of votes cast, the probable expense of carrying on erosion-control operations within such district and such other economic and social factors as may be relevant to such determination. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall not have authority to determine that the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable and feasible unless at least a majority of the votes cast in the referendum shall have been cast in favor of the creation of such district. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 12556 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12556
12 §12556. Importing live bait
Status: in_force

A person may not import into this State any live fish, including smelts, that are commonly used for bait fishing in inland waters. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6810 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6810
12 §6810. Method of fishing
Status: in_force

1. Authorized traps. It is unlawful to fish for green crabs under a license issued pursuant to section 6808 with traps not authorized by the commissioner. [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §9 (AMD).]

2. Trap design; rules. The commissioner shall establish authorized green crab trap designs by rule. Rules adopted by the commissioner pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 2001, c. 186, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13160 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 939 / Section 13160
12 §13160. Dealer's registration and license
Status: in_force

1. Application and issuance. A person may not engage in the business of selling ATVs in the State unless that person has registered as a dealer and secured a valid dealer's license from the commissioner. A dealer so registered and licensed need not register individual ATVs. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Fees. The annual license fee for a dealer registered under subsection 1 is $15. The license runs from July 1st of each year. A. A dealer licensed under Title 29‑A, section 954, subsection 2 is not required to pay the license fee under this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Dealer's number plates. Dealer's number plates must be provided and obtained as follows. A. A dealer registered under subsection 1 may receive dealer's number plates for a $5 annual fee for each plate. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Replacements for lost or stolen plates may be obtained for a fee of $5 for each plate. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. If a number plate is lost or stolen, the owner shall notify the commissioner immediately. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Temporary registration certificate. The commissioner may issue temporary registration certificates to a registered dealer who may, upon the sale or exchange of an ATV, issue a temporary registration certificate to a new owner, in order to allow the new owner to operate the ATV for a period of 20 consecutive days, after the date of sale in lieu of a permanent number as required by this chapter. The fee for each temporary registration is $1. [PL 2009, c. 340, §25 (AMD).]

5. Display of dealer's number plate. A dealer shall display the dealer's number on each ATV being used until the sale of the ATV, whereupon it becomes the owner's responsibility to register the ATV. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §418 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §418 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Each day a person violates this subsection is a separate offense. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §418 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §418 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Warranties and information on used ATVs. A dealer who offers a warranty in connection with the sale or transfer of a used ATV shall furnish a written statement concerning that warranty. The statement regarding the warranty must indicate the parts or systems of the vehicle that are covered and those not covered by the warranty and what the dealer will do in the event of a defect and at whose expense repairs be made. The dealer shall also furnish before sale a written statement identifying any and all defects known to the dealer and any type of damage that the vehicle has sustained if such information is known to the dealer. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Violation. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §419 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11153 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11153
12 §11153.  Expanded archery season deer permits; fees
Status: in_force

1. Expanded archery season deer hunting permits; authority to issue; fees. The commissioner may implement a permit system to regulate hunter participation in the expanded archery season established by the commissioner pursuant to section 11401, subsection 2, paragraph B and the number, sex and age of deer harvested. A person may hunt or possess a deer of either sex during the expanded archery season on deer if that person has a valid permit issued by the commissioner. If permits are issued, the fee for an either-sex permit is $32 and the fee for an antlerless deer permit is $12. [PL 2025, c. 333, §9 (AMD).]

2. Prohibition. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not hunt deer during the expanded archery season established under this section unless that person has a valid permit issued pursuant to this section. [PL 2025, c. 333, §10 (AMD).]

3. Penalty. Each day a person violates this section that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §124 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1873 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1873
12 §1873. Establishment; area
Status: in_force

1. Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, in this subchapter called the "waterway," is established. The area of the waterway includes the watercourse as defined in section 1872, subsection 1 2 and all land area and all waters within one mile of the bounds of the watercourse as defined in section 1872, subsection 1 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Watercourse. The watercourse within the waterway is established covering an area as defined in section 1872, subsection 12 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

3. Restricted zone. A restricted zone within the waterway is established, covering an area as defined in section 1872, subsection 8 , to preserve, protect and develop the maximum wilderness character of the watercourse. The boundaries of the restricted zone must be determined by the bureau after survey. The bureau shall establish a minimum width of 400 feet from the bounds of the watercourse as the width of the restricted zone if in the bureau's discretion that 400-foot width can preserve, protect and develop the maximum wilderness character of the watercourse. The bureau shall determine a greater width up to 800 feet as the width of the restricted zone if in the bureau's discretion the greater width is necessary to preserve, protect and develop the maximum wilderness character of the watercourse. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 12504 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12504
12 §12504. Fishing derby permits
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as provided in sections 12504‑A and 12505 , a person may not conduct a fishing derby without a valid permit issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).]

2. Application. A person wishing to conduct a fishing derby shall first make application for and obtain a permit from the commissioner. A completed application for a permit must include the proposed rules, targeted fish species, requested dates, places, times and prize structure for the derby. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).]

2-A. Conditions; restrictions. The commissioner may place conditions and restrictions on a derby permit. A. The commissioner may revoke a derby permit issued to or refuse to issue a permit to a club or group that violates a condition or restriction placed on a derby permit or disallow the participation of an individual who violates a condition or restriction placed on a derby permit. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (NEW).] B. A derby permit does not allow a participant to keep fish alive for entry into the derby. A fish caught as part of the derby, if it is to be retained solely for derby purposes, must be killed at once and becomes part of the participant's daily bag limit. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt all necessary rules relative to permits to ensure that derbies are conducted only at such times and places and in such a manner as are consistent with the fisheries management objectives of the department. Such rules must include: A. Specifying the number of derbies that may be conducted in a given body of water and the dates within which they may be conducted. These rules must be reviewed periodically; and [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).] B. Fixing the maximum total value of prizes that may be awarded at each derby, except that for 2 derbies, one held on Sebago Lake in Cumberland County and the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby held in northern Aroostook County, the maximum total value of prizes at each derby may not exceed $100,000. These derbies must be conducted in such a manner as to be consistent with the department's fisheries management objectives. [PL 2025, c. 204, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 204, §1 (AMD).]

3-A. Violation of rules, conditions or restrictions; penalty. Except as provided in section 12602 , the following penalties apply to violations of rules, conditions or restrictions adopted under this section. A. A person who violates a rule adopted under subsection 3 or a condition or restriction placed on a derby permit under subsection 2‑A commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).] B. A person who violates a rule adopted under subsection 3 or a condition or restriction placed on a derby permit under subsection 2‑A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).]

4. Issuance. The commissioner, following a determination that an applicant has complied with all rules adopted pursuant to this section, may issue a permit to the applicant authorizing the conduct of the derby. Applicants who have conducted derbies in the requested body of water in the past that have conformed with all rules, conditions and restrictions must be given preference in the issuance of permits. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).]

5. Fee. The fee for a permit to conduct a fishing derby is $24. [PL 2013, c. 358, §5 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6052 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6052
12 §6052. Specific department activities
Status: in_force

The department, under the direction of the commissioner, may also: [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

1. Extension. Serve as the primary state agency to assist members of the fishing industries by providing technical and managerial assistance, including development of gear and techniques of fishing, within departmental capability; [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

2. Education. Conduct educational programs on all educational levels, including the training of teachers, conducting workshops and instructional programs, and developing curriculum, courses and texts for elementary and secondary students; provide access to and information on department facilities for any student; and develop and distribute information concerning marine resources and departmental programs and facilities; [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

3. Marketing. Serve as the primary state agency providing promotional and marketing assistance to the commercial fishing industries, including assisting in marketing seafood, stimulating of consumer interest in and consumption of seafood, increasing the sales of seafood domestically and abroad, supporting and expanding existing markets and developing new markets for traditional and underutilized species; [PL 2017, c. 159, §1 (AMD).]

4. Research. Serve as the primary state agency engaging in research for the conservation of marine resources; and engage in all aspects of marine research, including: A. Providing information on stock levels and environments of commercially and recreationally valuable marine and anadromous fish organisms; [PL 1987, c. 599, §2 (AMD).] B. Solving particular problems that relate to the State's commercial, marine recreational and anadromous fishing industry; [PL 1991, c. 285, §1 (AMD).] C. Providing technical and scientific information and support for all department activities; and [PL 1991, c. 285, §2 (AMD).] D. Establishing a marine research revolving fund for soliciting and receiving funds for conducting marine research. A marine research fund established under this paragraph may be used only for research purposes set forth under paragraphs A and B and may not be used for research specific to any one company; and [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §24 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §24 (AMD).]

5. Safety and security services. Provide safety and security services in the coastal waters of the State. The department shall coordinate with other local, state and federal agencies when the department provides such safety and security services. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §25 (AMD).]

6. Implement and manage coastal zone management program. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §26 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 4812-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 7 / Chapter 424 / Section 4812-B
12 §4812-B. Federal flood insurance (REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 440)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 440)
12 M.R.S. § 6749-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6749-C
12 §6749-C. Rules
Status: in_force

1. Importation and processing. The commissioner may adopt rules under this subchapter that require a sea urchins processor to maintain records sufficient to identify the point of origin of sea urchins received by that processor. [PL 1993, c. 416, §2 (NEW).]

2. Fisheries management. The commissioner may adopt rules under chapter 607, subchapter I to promote the conservation and propagation of sea urchins. Those rules may include, but are not limited to, limits on size of drags used to take sea urchins, limits on the nighttime dragging of sea urchins and tolerance allowance for the harvesting of sea urchins less than 2 inches in the longest diameter. [PL 1993, c. 416, §2 (NEW).]

3. Minimum size. Before January 1, 1994, the commissioner shall adopt rules establishing the method for determining whether a sea urchin measures less than 2 inches in the longest diameter. If necessary, the commissioner may use emergency rule-making authority under chapter 607, subchapter II to adopt rules under this subsection. [PL 1993, c. 416, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10309 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10309
12 §10309. Fund distribution criteria for strategic plan and grants
Status: in_force

In developing the strategic plan provided for by section 10308, subsection 5, paragraph A and reviewing and awarding grant proposals submitted pursuant to section 10308, subsection 5, paragraph B , the board shall consider whether a project involves: [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Fisheries and wildlife and habitat conservation. For the category of fisheries and wildlife and habitat conservation: A. A species or species group adversely affected due to lack of management or habitat loss; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. A species or species group that is adversely affected due to unusual vulnerability to human-made disturbances and requirements for a special or limited habitat type; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §74 (COR).] C. Measurable benefits vital to the future welfare of a species or species group; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Available matching funds; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §74 (COR).]

2. Acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities. For the category of acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities: A. Public recreation opportunities of statewide or regional significance; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Fish or wildlife habitat of statewide or regional significance; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Habitat of a threatened or endangered species listed under state or federal law; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Rare or exemplary natural communities or ecosystems as determined by the State's Natural Areas Program database; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Lands or areas providing for public recreation opportunities of statewide or regional significance; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. Rare or exemplary geological features; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] G. Areas with proximity to lands dedicated to conservation purposes or public recreation or with access to lands or waters with significant natural resources values; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] H. Available matching funds; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats. For the category of conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats: A. A species or species group listed as endangered or threatened under state or federal law; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The habitat of one or more species or groups under paragraph A ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A species or species group not listed as threatened or endangered but, based on the best available scientific information, potentially warranting listing in the near future; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. A species, group of species, natural community or ecosystem that has been documented as being in decline or recognized as being at risk of extirpation from the State; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Any species, group of species, natural community or ecosystem thought in the best professional judgment of biologists to be in decline or in danger of extirpation from the State but whose status is undetermined; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. Available matching funds; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Natural resources law enforcement. For the category of game wardens and other conservation law enforcement: A. A species or species group adversely affected due to lack of management or habitat loss; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Public health or safety concerns of statewide or regional significance; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Environmental education for the public or law enforcement personnel; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Cross-training between natural resources state agencies; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Available matching funds. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

The criteria in this section are not listed in order of priority. A grant applicant must indicate in the proposal the subsection under which the board should evaluate the proposals. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 157 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 157
12 §157. Subsequent petitions
Status: in_force

After 6 months shall have expired from the date of entry of a determination by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry that operation of a proposed district is not administratively practicable and feasible, and denial of a petition, subsequent petitions may be filed and action taken by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 13105 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 937 / Section 13105
12 §13105. Snowmobile registration agents
Status: in_force

1. Appointment of snowmobile registration agents; report; fees. Appointment of snowmobile registration agents and applicable fees are governed by the following. A. The commissioner may appoint municipal clerks or other persons who a municipality may designate as municipal agents to issue snowmobile registrations. The commissioner may designate other agents as necessary to issue snowmobile registrations. The commissioner shall determine by rule the period when agents shall act. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §392 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Agents may charge a service fee of not more than $5 for each snowmobile registration or renewal registration covered by sections 13002 to 13005 . This service fee is retained by the agent. [PL 2023, c. 213, §1 (AMD).] C. An agent is delinquent if that agent fails to forward to the commissioner funds collected by that agent by the date established in rules adopted under this subsection. Failure to remit the funds as provided in this subsection results in the following sanctions, in addition to any other provided by law. (3) If an agent is delinquent for more than 150 days or is delinquent 3 or more times in one year, the commissioner shall: (a) Terminate the agency for the balance of the year; and (b) Order that the agency not be renewed for the next year. [PL 2015, c. 301, §46 (AMD).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 213, §1 (AMD).]

2. Unlawful issuance of snowmobile registration. An agent may not issue a resident snowmobile registration to a nonresident or a nonresident snowmobile registration to a resident. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §392 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §392 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §392 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12453 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12453
12 §12453. Inland waters closed to fishing except as opened by law or rule
Status: in_force

All inland waters of the State are closed to fishing except as opened by law or rule. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6087 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6087
12 §6087. Seaweed Fisheries Advisory Council
Status: in_force

1. Appointment; composition. The Seaweed Fisheries Advisory Council, established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 57‑H and referred to in this section as "the council," consists of 7 members appointed by the commissioner as follows: A. Two members who process seaweed or hold either a seaweed permit or seaweed buyer's license; [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] B. Two members who are seaweed aquaculture lease holders or their designees; [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] C. One member of the scientific community; [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] D. One member who harvests seaweed; and [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] E. One member of the public. [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] The commissioner shall make appointments so that the composition of the council reflects the diversity of the State's seaweed operations. [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).]

2. Purpose. The council shall: A. Make recommendations to the commissioner on all matters concerning the health of the seaweed resource, its ecosystem and the industry it supports; and [RR 2017, c. 1, §4 (COR).] B. Make recommendations to the commissioner regarding expenditures from the Seaweed Management Fund as described in section 6806 . [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).] [RR 2017, c. 1, §4 (COR).]

3. Term. The term of a member appointed to the council is 3 years, except that a vacancy during an unexpired term must be filled in the same manner as for the original member for the unexpired portion of the member's term. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).]

4. Officers. The officers of the council are the chair, vice-chair and secretary. The term of the officers is one year. The council shall elect a member of the council for each officer position at the first regular meeting of each year. [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).]

5. Meeting. The council shall meet at least once a year. It may also meet at other times at the call of the commissioner. [PL 2017, c. 52, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 4606 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4606
12 §4606. -- voting -- Article VI
Status: in_force

No action shall be taken by the commission in regard to its general affairs except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole number of compacting states present at any meeting. No recommendation shall be made by the commission in regard to any species of fish except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states which have an interest in such species. The commission shall define what shall be an interest.
12 M.R.S. § 12862 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 927 / Section 12862
12 §12862. Retrieval of wounded or killed bear, deer or moose after hours
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding sections 11205 , 11206 and 11111 , the commissioner may authorize a person licensed to guide hunters under section 12853 whose client during a guided hunt wounds or kills a bear, deer or moose to track and dispatch that animal outside of legal hunting hours. A licensed guide authorized to track a wounded animal pursuant to this section may use one leashed dog for tracking purposes. The commissioner may place conditions and restrictions on tracking activities conducted pursuant to this section to ensure its proper administration and the humane treatment of a wounded animal. [PL 2015, c. 90, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6728-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6728-B
12 §6728-B. Habitual violations
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall suspend the handfishing scallop license or other license issued under this Part authorizing the taking of scallops of any license holder adjudicated or convicted in court of a 3rd or subsequent violation of this subchapter. The suspension must be for at least one year from the date of conviction and may be for up to 3 years. [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §9 (RPR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6351 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6351
12 §6351. Suspension based on criminal conviction or civil adjudication
Status: in_force

1. Grounds for suspension. Any of the following is grounds for suspension of a license, the right to obtain a license or a certificate issued under this Part: A. A conviction for a violation of a marine resources law; [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).] B. A conviction for a violation of Title 17‑A, chapter 31 ; [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).] B-1. A conviction for a violation of Title 17‑A, chapter 15 ; [PL 2009, c. 394, §1 (NEW).] B-2. A conviction for a violation of Title 17‑A, section 802 that is directly related to an activity for which a lobster and crab fishing license is required; [PL 2017, c. 197, §1 (NEW).] B-3. A conviction for a violation of Title 17‑A, section 805 that is directly related to an activity for which a lobster and crab fishing license is required; [PL 2017, c. 197, §1 (NEW).] C. A conviction for a criminal offense against a marine patrol officer while that officer is engaged in the performance of official duty; [PL 2009, c. 394, §1 (AMD).] D. A civil adjudication of having violated a marine resources law; or [PL 2009, c. 394, §1 (AMD).] E. A suspension authorized under section 6409 or 6410 . [PL 2009, c. 394, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 197, §1 (AMD).]

2. Suspension procedure. In order to suspend a license or certificate because of a conviction or adjudication, the commissioner shall follow the procedures of this article. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

3. Denial of license. An applicant for any license or certificate as set out in this chapter may be denied a license or certificate in the same manner as provided for in this section. [PL 2009, c. 394, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1854 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1854
12 §1854. Revenue sharing on public reserved lands
Status: reserved

1. Plantations organized as of March 1, 1974. Seventy-five percent of any income from residential leasehold camps, excluding any income or proceeds from the sale, exchange or relocation of any of these camps, and 25% of any income arising from the sale of timber, grass, gravel or other natural resources from public reserved lands located in townships or tracts organized into plantations as of March 1, 1974 must be held by the Treasurer of State in the Organized Townships Fund. The Treasurer of State shall pay annually the income from that portion of the fund belonging to each such plantation to the treasurer of that plantation to be applied toward the support of schools according to the number of students in each school. The Treasurer of State shall compute this income on January 1st of each year. The Commissioner of Education shall file in the office of the State Controller a list of the plantations with the amount due for income for the preceding year according to a record of those amounts to be furnished to the Commissioner of Education by the Treasurer of State. The Commissioner of Education must be satisfied that the plantations are organized, that schools have been established in the plantations according to law, that assessors are sworn and qualified and that the treasurers of the plantations have given bonds as required by law. The State Controller shall insert the name and amount due the plantations in one of the first warrants drawn in that year. The amount due Lakeville Plantation, Penobscot County, annually under this section must be expended in accordance with this section. Any excess must be used under the supervision and direction of the superintending school committee of Lakeville Plantation to establish scholarship aid for students of Lakeville Plantation to receive postsecondary education. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Plantations incorporated into towns. With respect to those public reserved lands that were located in townships or tracts organized into plantations as of March 1, 1974, when any such plantation becomes incorporated into a town subsequent to that date, 75% of any income from residential leasehold camps, excluding any income or proceeds from the sale, exchange or relocation of any of these camps, and 25% of any other income from that public reserved land must be returned by the bureau to the municipality where that public reserved land is located to be used for municipal purposes. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Towns with timber management leases. With respect to stumpage income from timber located on public reserved lands and leased to municipalities and other political subdivisions of the State pursuant to section 1852, subsection 8 , 50% of that income must be returned by the Treasurer of State to the lessee for its own purposes. The director may approve the handling by the lessees of income up to $500 from sales or permits. The lessees shall submit a semiannual accounting of that income and payment for the State's share. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6724 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6724
12 §6724. Otter trawl in Penobscot River
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not fish for or take scallops by use of an otter trawl inside and upriver of a line drawn from the lighthouse on Dice Head, Castine to Turtle Head on Islesboro and thence to the town wharf at Bayside, Northport. [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).]

2. Violations. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which the following penalties apply: A. For the first offense, a mandatory fine of $500 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] C. For the 3rd and subsequent offenses, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized. This penalty is imposed in addition to the penalty imposed under section 6728‑B . [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6030-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6030-A
12 §6030-A. Burnt Island; Burnt Island Living Lighthouse; rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt such rules as are necessary to protect and preserve Burnt Island and the Burnt Island Living Lighthouse. In addition, the commissioner may adopt such rules as are necessary to provide for the successful implementation of the department-authorized educational and recreational programs that are conducted on the island. The rules may include restrictions on public access to Burnt Island and the Burnt Island Living Lighthouse as determined reasonably necessary for these purposes. [PL 2005, c. 56, §1 (NEW).]

Rules adopted pursuant to the section are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 56, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13056 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13056
12 §13056. Certificate of number, identification numbers and validation stickers
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. Operating without certificate of number. Except as provided in paragraph A , a person may not operate or give permission to operate a motorboat requiring a certificate of number without a current certificate of number or a current temporary certificate of number. Only the certificate of number or temporary certificate of number as issued by the commissioner is valid. Except as provided in subsection 12, paragraph A , a facsimile or copy of the certificate is not valid. A. The certificate of number for a watercraft less than 26 feet in length and leased or rented to another for the latter's noncommercial use may be retained on shore by the owner of the watercraft or the owner's representative at the place where the watercraft departs or returns to the possession of the owner or the owner's representative, as long as the person leasing or renting the watercraft has a copy of the lease or rental agreement that shows the watercraft number thereon and the period of time for which the watercraft is leased or rented and that is signed by the owner or the owner's representative. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. OO, §13 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 130, §1 (AMD).]

1-B. Operating without identification number and validation stickers. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a motorboat without the identification number and validation stickers, assigned by the commissioner and authorized by this chapter, displayed on each side of the bow in accordance with subsection 12, paragraphs A and B or section 13059, subsection 4 . A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Motorboats requiring. Except as provided in this subsection, the owner of a motorboat, including an airmobile, used on the waters of the State as the state of principal use shall obtain a certificate of number for the motorboat from the commissioner. No certificate of number may be issued unless the owner submits proof that the watercraft excise tax, assessed under Title 36, chapter 112 , has been paid or that the boat is exempt from the watercraft excise tax. The following motorboats are exempt from this subsection: A. A watercraft that has or is required to have a valid marine document as a watercraft of the United States; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. A motorboat already covered by a current certificate of number issued under a federally approved numbering system of another state or a federal law, as long as the number so issued is displayed on the motorboat and as long as the motorboat has not been within this State for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days after the state of principal use has been changed; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Military or public watercraft, except recreational type watercraft of the United States; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. A motorboat whose owner is the United States, a state or subdivision thereof that is used for governmental purposes and is clearly identifiable as such; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. A ship's lifeboat; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. A motorboat from a country other than the United States, as long as the motorboat has not been within this State for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days; [PL 2013, c. 408, §23 (AMD).] G. A motorboat used exclusively for racing purposes that displays on its hull in a prominent manner a valid boat number issued by a recognized racing association; and [PL 2013, c. 408, §24 (AMD).] H. A motorboat participating in an event as permitted by section 13061 . [PL 2013, c. 408, §25 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 408, §§23-25 (AMD).]

3. Other watercraft may be numbered. Nothing in this section prohibits the numbering of any watercraft upon the request of the owner. The owner shall comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter if the owner chooses to number a watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3-A. Homemade watercraft; hull identification number. The owner of a homemade watercraft shall obtain a hull identification number prior to applying for a certificate of number from the commissioner. In the case of a homemade watercraft that is a houseboat or that is a nonwater-dependent floating structure capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including, but not limited to, a dock, gazebo, floating swim toy, bathtub, swimming pool or picnic table, the commissioner may issue a certificate of number upon the request of the owner only if the owner provides a letter of inspection and approval for the homemade watercraft from a qualified marine surveyor and demonstrates to the commissioner's satisfaction that the homemade watercraft: A. Meets all applicable safety requirements under 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 183, including, but not limited to, requirements that the watercraft's flotation, decking and windows be constructed from marine-grade material; [PL 2025, c. 378, §10 (NEW).] B. Meets all applicable operating visibility requirements under 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 144.905. The watercraft must include a position from which its operator is afforded unobstructed forward visibility to each side of the centerline for at least 70 degrees from the operator's position and is afforded unobstructed lateral visibility to each side of the centerline at least 90 degrees from the operator's position; [PL 2025, c. 378, §10 (NEW).] C. Meets all applicable stability, weight capacity, horsepower capacity, passenger carrying area and navigation lighting requirements under 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 183; and [PL 2025, c. 378, §10 (NEW).] D. Is capable of navigation for the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2025, c. 378, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 378, §10 (NEW).]

4. Application. The owner of a motorboat requiring or of a watercraft for which the owner wishes to request a certificate of number shall make application to the commissioner on forms approved by the commissioner. The application must show the legal residence of the applicant and the place where the watercraft is situated. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Issuance. Upon receipt of the approved application with the proper fee, the commissioner shall enter the application upon the office records and issue the applicant a pocket-sized certificate of number stating: A. The number assigned to the motorboat; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Its description; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The name and address of the owner; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Such other information as the commissioner deems appropriate. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The holder of any certificate of number issued under this chapter may obtain a duplicate validation sticker from the commissioner upon application and payment of the fee set forth in subsection 8 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Certificate of number; term. A certificate of number is issued to the owner of a watercraft or a dealer for a specific calendar year and is valid through December 31st of the year for which it was issued. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Numbers permanent. A number once awarded under this chapter to a motorboat remains with that boat until the boat is destroyed, abandoned, permanently removed or no longer principally used in this State, except that numbers that have been inactive for at least 7 years may be reissued by the division. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Fees. The fees for each original or renewal certificate of number with 2 validation stickers are set out in this subsection. A. For a watercraft requiring or whose owner requests a certificate of number and that is equipped with a motor having a manufacturer's horsepower rating of: (1) Ten horsepower or less, prior to January 1, 2020 the fee is $25 for operating on inland waters of the State and $15 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2020, the fee under this subparagraph is $30 for operating on inland waters of the State and $15 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2025, the fee under this subparagraph is $40 for operating on inland waters of the State and $15 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2028, the fee under this subparagraph is $50 for operating on inland waters of the State and $15 for operating only on tidal waters of the State; (2) Greater than 10 horsepower but not more than 50 horsepower, prior to January 1, 2020 the fee is $30 for operating on inland waters of the State and $20 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2020, the fee under this subparagraph is $35 for operating on inland waters of the State and $20 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2025, the fee under this subparagraph is $45 for operating on inland waters of the State and $20 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2028, the fee under this subparagraph is $55 for operating on inland waters of the State and $20 for operating only on tidal waters of the State; and (3) Greater than 50 horsepower but not more than 115 horsepower, prior to January 1, 2020 the fee is $36 for operating on inland waters of the State and $26 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2020, the fee under this subparagraph is $41 for operating on inland waters of the State and $26 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2025, the fee under this subparagraph is $51 for operating on inland waters of the State and $26 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2028, the fee under this subparagraph is $61 for operating on inland waters of the State and $26 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. [PL 2023, c. 612, §2 (AMD).] B. Prior to January 1, 2020, for a personal watercraft requiring or whose owner requests a certificate of number and watercraft equipped with a motor having a manufacturer's horsepower rating greater than 115 horsepower, the fee is $44 for operating on inland waters of the State and $34 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2020, the fee under this paragraph is $49 for operating on inland waters of the State and $34 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2025, the fee under this paragraph is $59 for operating on inland waters of the State and $34 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. Beginning January 1, 2028, the fee under this paragraph is $69 for operating on inland waters of the State and $34 for operating only on tidal waters of the State. [PL 2023, c. 612, §3 (AMD).] C. For a duplicate certificate of number, the fee is $1. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. For a duplicate validation sticker (per set), the fee is $1. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. For a certificate of number issued with transfer of ownership authorized in subsection 10 , the fee is $2. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §38 (RP).] Validation stickers are nontransferable. A motorboat that is used for governmental purposes and is owned and operated in the State by the Federal Government, the State or a political subdivision of the State is exempt from registration fees. [PL 2023, c. 612, §§2, 3 (AMD).]

9. Renewal. The owner may renew the owner's certificate of number at expiration by stating the old number in the owner's application and paying the fee prescribed in subsection 8 . The fee is the same fee the owner would pay for the original issuance. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

10. Transfer of ownership. Whoever transfers ownership of a motorboat for which a certificate of number has already been issued under this chapter and applies for a certificate of number for another motorboat is entitled to a new certificate of number upon payment of a transfer fee of $4 as set forth in subsection 8, paragraph E , provided the applicant returns to the commissioner the old certificate of number properly signed and executed, showing that ownership of the motorboat has been transferred. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §38 (AMD).]

11. New ownership. If there is a change of ownership of a motorboat for which a certificate of number has previously been issued under this chapter, the new owner shall apply for a new certificate of number and set forth the original boat number in the application. The new owner shall pay the regular fee for the particular motorboat involved and is not entitled to the special transfer fee set forth in subsection 10 . A. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §39 (RP).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §39 (AMD).]

12. Requirements. The following provisions establish requirements for certificates of number, identification numbers and validation stickers. A. The operator shall have the certificate of number available for inspection on the motorboat for which it was issued whenever the motorboat is in operation. The operator may have the certificate of number available for inspection in electronic form on the motorboat for which it was issued. [PL 2021, c. 130, §2 (AMD).] B. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a motorboat unless the identification number and validation stickers assigned by the commissioner and authorized by this chapter are displayed on each side of the bow of the boat in the following manner: (1) The identification numbers must be painted or permanently attached to the bow and be of a color that is in contrast to the color of the background so as to provide the highest degree of visibility, i.e., dark numbers on a light background or vice versa, and be plainly visible; (2) The identification number must be displayed in 3 parts. The prefix, which is the initial letters ME, designating the State of Maine, must be separated by a hyphen or space equal to the width of a letter, other than the letter "I," from the numerals that follow it. The suffix, which consists of the ending letter or letters which appear after the numerals, must be likewise separated from the numerals; (3) The identification number must be displayed to read from left to right, of good proportion, with vertical block character capital letters and Arabic numerals, all of which must be not less than 3 inches in height and maintained in a legible condition at all times; (4) No number other than the assigned boat number may be displayed on the bow of such a motorboat; and (5) The validation sticker, as issued by the division, must be displayed approximately 3 inches behind the last letter of the identification number and on a level with the number on both sides of the bow viz.: ME-123-A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. The owner of a certificate of number terminated or invalidated under subsection 13 shall return it within 10 days of the termination or invalidation. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. The owner of a watercraft that has been issued a certificate of number shall notify the commissioner in writing within 10 days of: (1) The transfer of all or any part of the owner's interest, other than the creation of a security interest, in the watercraft covered by the certificate; (2) The permanent removal of the watercraft from the State; (3) The destruction or abandonment of the watercraft; (4) The theft or recovery of the watercraft; or (5) Any change in the owner's address. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Upon sale or transfer of ownership of a registered watercraft, the owner or dealer shall remove and destroy any validation stickers on the craft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. The person whose name appears on the certificate of number as the owner of a watercraft shall remove the number and validation stickers from the craft when: (1) The watercraft is documented; (2) The watercraft is no longer used principally in the State; (3) The application for a certificate of number contains false or fraudulent statements or information; or (4) The fees for issuance of a certificate of number are not paid. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 130, §2 (AMD).]

12-A. Violation of requirements; penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 12 . A. A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §361 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

13. Termination of certificate of number. Under any of the following conditions, the certificate of number issued by the commissioner is terminated or invalidated: A. Transfer of the watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Documentation of the watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Change in state of principal use of the watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Permanent removal of the watercraft from the State; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Abandonment or destruction of the watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. False or fraudulent information on the application for the certificate of number; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] G. Failure to pay the required fee for the certificate of number; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] H. Involuntary loss of interest in the watercraft due to legal process. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The transfer of a partial interest that does not affect the original owner's right to operate the watercraft does not terminate or invalidate the certificate of number. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

14. Dissemination of educational materials required; watercraft dealers. A watercraft dealer who sells a motorboat in the State shall provide the purchaser of that motorboat with information related to the boater safety and education courses offered by the department as well as information related to those operators who are required to complete those courses. [PL 2023, c. 611, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6025-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6025-A
12 §6025-A. New Hampshire marine patrol (WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL CONTINGENCY:  See 2003, c. 519, §2)
Status: repealed

(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL CONTINGENCY: See 2003, c. 519, §2)

A member of the New Hampshire marine patrol who, in the course of patrolling the waters of the Piscataqua River or Portsmouth Harbor, observes activity that the officer reasonably suspects may result in loss of life, widespread injury or widespread and severe property damage has authority to enter Maine and has the same authority to investigate, detain and execute an arrest as a Maine marine patrol officer. When a member of the New Hampshire marine patrol is engaged in Maine in carrying out the purpose of this subsection, that member has all the same privileges and immunities as Maine marine patrol officers in addition to privileges and immunities available under New Hampshire law. [PL 2003, c. 519, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 519, §2 (AFF).]

The commissioner shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of New Hampshire if this section is repealed or amended to significantly alter its application. [PL 2003, c. 519, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 519, §2 (AFF).]

Revisor's Note: §6025-A. New Hampshire marine patrol (WHOLE SECTION TEXT REPEALED ON CONTINGENCY: See PL 2003, c. 519, §2)
12 M.R.S. § 11753 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11753
12 §11753. Gift wild turkey
Status: in_force

A person may not possess any part or parts of a wild turkey given to that person unless that gift wild turkey is labeled with the name of the person who registered it and the year the wild turkey was registered by that person. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §182 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §182 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13001 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 933 / Section 13001
12 §13001. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subpart, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Accompanied by adult. "Accompanied by an adult" means, with respect to operation of an ATV, within visual and voice contact and under the effective control of a child's parent or guardian or another person 21 years of age or older. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Airmobile. "Airmobile" means any vehicle propelled by mechanical power that is designed to travel upon a cushion of air on or within 2 feet of the water or land surface of the earth. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. All-terrain vehicle or ATV. "All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means a motor-driven, off-road, recreational vehicle that was originally designed by the manufacturer for and is capable of cross-country travel. "All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" includes, but is not limited to, a multitrack, multiwheel or low-pressure tire vehicle; a motorcycle or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel or belt-driven vehicle; an amphibious machine; or other means of transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind. For purposes of this subpart, "all-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" does not include a motor vehicle as defined in Title 29‑A, section 101, subsection 42 . [PL 2019, c. 204, §1 (AMD).]

4. Alpine tundra. "Alpine tundra" means high-elevation, treeless areas beyond the timberline that are dominated by low herbaceous or shrubby vegetation and, specifically, areas that are designated as alpine tundra by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by rule pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

4-A. Antique all-terrain vehicle or antique ATV. "Antique all-terrain vehicle" or "antique ATV" means an all-terrain vehicle more than 25 years old that is substantially maintained in its original or restored condition. [PL 2021, c. 215, §4 (NEW).]

5. Antique snowmobile. "Antique snowmobile" means a snowmobile more than 25 years old that is registered as an antique snowmobile under section 13104, subsection 5 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Aquatic plant. "Aquatic plant" means a plant species that requires a permanently flooded freshwater habitat. [PL 2011, c. 47, §1 (AMD).]

6-A. Boater safety and education course. "Boater safety and education course" means an online or in-person education course that: A. Provides basic information for recreational boaters about how to identify and reduce primary boating risk factors and mitigate the dangers of recreational boating; and [PL 2021, c. 656, §1 (NEW).] B. Meets a national association of boating law administrators standard and is approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 13052, subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 656, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 656, §1 (NEW).]

6-B. Boater safety and education course certificate. "Boater safety and education course certificate" means a certificate or other evidence of completion of a boater safety and education course or an equivalency exam specified or approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 13052, subsection 2 . [PL 2023, c. 206, §1 (AMD).]

7. Bow. "Bow" means the forward half of a watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Cowling. "Cowling" means the forward or rear portion of a snowmobile, usually of fiberglass or similar material, surrounding the motor and clutch assembly. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

9. Division. "Division" means the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Division of Licensing, Registration and Engineering. [PL 2009, c. 340, §18 (AMD).]

9-A. Dock. "Dock" means a platform used for access to a water body or to secure, protect and provide access to a boat or ship. "Dock" includes a platform that extends from a shore over the water body or a floating platform attached to a mooring. [PL 2025, c. 378, §3 (NEW).]

10. Dwelling. "Dwelling" means any building used as a permanent residence or place of domicile. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

11. Federal waters. "Federal waters" means all waters that are not internal waters and are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

12. Freshwater marshes and bogs. "Freshwater marshes and bogs" means naturally occurring open areas with saturated soils or peat, often associated with standing water and dominated by low herbaceous vegetation, grasses, weeds and shrubs and including wetlands, as shown on the Freshwater Wetlands Map Series, Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources, Maine Geological Survey, or zoned as a Wetland Protection Subdistrict, P-WL, by the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. C, §12 (AMD).]

12-A. Homemade watercraft. "Homemade watercraft" means a watercraft that is built by an individual for personal use using raw materials and that is not required to have a hull identification number assigned by a manufacturer that has been assigned a manufacturer identification code by the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch of the United States Coast Guard. "Homemade watercraft" may include, but is not limited to, open watercraft, auxiliary sail watercraft, paddle craft, houseboats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft, airboats and inflatable watercraft. [PL 2025, c. 378, §4 (NEW).]

12-B. Houseboat. "Houseboat" means a motorized vessel that is usually nonplaning and designed primarily for multipurpose accommodation spaces with low freeboard and little or no foredeck or cockpit. [PL 2025, c. 378, §5 (NEW).]

13. Internal waters. "Internal waters" means waters under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

14. Invasive aquatic plant. "Invasive aquatic plant" means a species of aquatic plant described in Title 38, section 410‑N . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

15. Marina or boat yard owner. "Marina or boat yard owner" means a person who owns a facility that leases storage, docking or mooring space to watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

15-A. Mooring. "Mooring" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 480‑B, subsection 5‑A . [PL 2025, c. 378, §6 (NEW).]

16. Motorboat. "Motorboat" means any watercraft, including airmobiles, equipped with propulsion machinery of any type, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, is permanently or temporarily attached or is available for propulsion on the watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

17. Motorboat carrying passengers for hire. "Motorboat carrying passengers for hire" means a motorboat used for the purpose of carrying a person or persons as passengers for valuable consideration, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, agent or any other person interested in the watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

17-A. Navigation. "Navigation" means, with respect to a watercraft, the operation of the watercraft in a manner designed to avoid collisions on the water through adherence to rules of watercraft operation established by the department pursuant to chapter 935 and to applicable federal regulations. [PL 2025, c. 378, §7 (NEW).]

18. Operate. "To operate," in all its moods and tenses, means: A. When it refers to a snowmobile, to use a snowmobile in any manner within the jurisdiction of the State, whether or not the vehicle is under way; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. When it refers to watercraft of any type or description, to use that watercraft in any manner on the waters specified, whether or not the watercraft is under way; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. When it refers to an ATV, to use an ATV in any manner within the jurisdiction of the State, whether or not the vehicle is moving. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

19. Operation. "Operation" means the act of operating as defined in subsection 18 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §354 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

20. Operator. "Operator" means the person who is in control or in charge of a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while it is in use. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §354 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

21. Owner. "Owner" means: A. For the purpose of registration of a snowmobile, a person holding title to a snowmobile or having equitable interest in a snowmobile that entitles the person to possession of the snowmobile; [PL 2021, c. 54, §20 (AMD).] B. For the purpose of registration of a watercraft, a person holding title to a watercraft or having equitable interest in a watercraft that entitles the person to possession of the watercraft; or [PL 2021, c. 54, §20 (AMD).] C. For the purposes of registration of an ATV, a person holding title to an ATV or having equitable interest in an ATV that entitles the person to possession of the ATV. [PL 2021, c. 54, §20 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 54, §20 (AMD).]

22. Passenger. "Passenger" means every person carried on board a watercraft other than: A. The owner or the owner's representative; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The operator; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the watercraft who have not contributed consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. A guest on board a watercraft that is being used exclusively for pleasure purposes who has not contributed any consideration, directly or indirectly, for that guest's carriage. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §354 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

23. Personal watercraft. "Personal watercraft" means any motorized watercraft that is 14 feet or less in hull length as manufactured, has as its primary source of propulsion an inboard motor powering a jet pump and is capable of carrying one or more persons in a sitting, standing or kneeling position. "Personal watercraft" includes, but is not limited to, a jet ski, wet bike, surf jet and miniature speedboat. "Personal watercraft" also includes motorized watercraft whose operation is controlled by a water skier. "Personal watercraft" does not include a motorized watercraft that does not have a horsepower rating greater than 15 horsepower and does not generate an unreasonable amount of noise. [PL 2007, c. 169, §1 (AMD).]

24. Protective headgear. "Protective headgear" means a helmet that conforms with minimum standards of construction and performance as prescribed by the American National Standards Institute specification Z90.1 or by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

24-A. Recreational boating. "Recreational boating" means operating a motorboat primarily for the operator's pleasure or leasing, renting or chartering a motorboat to another person for the other person's pleasure. "Recreational boating" does not include using a motorboat engaged in the carriage of passengers for hire. [PL 2023, c. 206, §2 (NEW).]

25. Snowmobile. "Snowmobile" means a vehicle propelled by mechanical power that is primarily designed to travel over ice or snow and is supported in part by skis, belts or cleats. "Snowmobile" does not include a motor vehicle as defined in Title 29‑A, section 101 . [PL 2019, c. 452, §9 (AMD).]

26. State of principal use. "State of principal use" means the state on whose waters a watercraft is used or to be used most during a calendar year. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

27. Use. "Use" means, with respect to watercraft, operate, navigate or employ. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

27-A. Wakesurfing activity. "Wakesurfing activity" means an activity that involves using a surfboard, wakeboard or similar device while being propelled by a motorboat's wake or while on or in a motorboat's wake directly behind that motorboat. [PL 2023, c. 611, §1 (NEW).]

27-B. Vessel. "Vessel" means any watercraft or artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. [PL 2025, c. 378, §8 (NEW).]

28. Watercraft. "Watercraft" means any type of vessel, boat, canoe or houseboat, excluding a seaplane, capable of being used as a means of transportation on water that satisfies all applicable laws and rules pertaining to navigation and safety equipment on watercraft. "Watercraft" includes motors, electronic and mechanical equipment and other machinery, whether permanently or temporarily attached, that are customarily used in the operations of the watercraft. "Watercraft" does not include a vessel, boat, canoe or houseboat located and intended to be permanently docked in one location and not used as a means of transportation on water. [PL 2025, c. 378, §9 (AMD).]

29. Water safety zone. "Water safety zone" means the area of water within 200 feet of shoreline, whether the shoreline of the mainland or of an island. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

30. Waters of this State. "Waters of this State" means all internal waters and all federal waters within the jurisdiction of the State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10803 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10803
12 §10803. Agent fee cap
Status: in_force

A clerk or agent appointed by the commissioner under section 10801 to issue licenses or permits or process applications for the moose lottery or antlerless deer permits may charge agent fees as provided in this Part up to a maximum of $6 during a single transaction. For purposes of this section, "transaction" means a single event in which one or more licenses or permits are issued to a person in that person's name. [PL 2009, c. 186, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1889 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1889
12 §1889. Allocation of funds
Status: in_force

Except for revenues resulting from an increase in fees in the waterway that, as provided in this chapter, accrue to a dedicated revenue account to be used for capital improvements in the waterway, all money received by the bureau with respect to the operation and management of the waterway must be deposited with the Treasurer of State to be credited to the General Fund. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 10756 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10756
12 §10756. Duty to carry and exhibit license or permit
Status: in_force

A person who holds a license or permit issued under this Part shall, while engaged in the licensed activity or while transporting fish, wild animals or wild birds: [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Carry license or permit. Have on that person that license or permit; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Exhibit license or permit. Exhibit that license or permit for inspection upon request to a warden or other law enforcement officer, an employee of the department, a registered Maine guide or the owner of the land on which the licensed activity is taking place. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

A license or permit under this section may be on paper or in electronic format. [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12664 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12664
12 §12664. Unlawful use of lead sinkers and lead jigs
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (RP).] B. "Lead sinker" means a device that contains lead that is designed to be attached to a fishing line and intended to sink the line and does not include artificial lures, ice‑fishing sounders, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (AMD).] C. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (RP).] D. "Lead jig" means a hook with a lead weight molded to it, regardless of whether it is painted, coated or covered by some other substance or by attached skirts. "Lead jig" does not include a fishing-related lead item, including, but not limited to, a lead core line, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs or flies. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (AMD).]

2. Unlawful use. This subsection governs the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs. A. A person may not: (3) Beginning September 1, 2026, use a painted lead jig. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (AMD).] A-1. A person may not use a lead sinker or unpainted lead jig that: (1) Weighs one ounce or less; or (2) Measures 2 1/2 inches or less in length. [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2013, c. 372, §3 (NEW).] C. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 372, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §7 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10906 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10906
12 §10906. Violation of suspended or revoked license, permit or registration
Status: in_force

While a person's license, permit or recreational vehicle registration is under suspension or revocation under this Part, that person may not engage in the particular activity permitted by the license, permit or recreational vehicle registration that has been suspended or revoked. [PL 2009, c. 340, §11 (AMD).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §105 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6731 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6731
12 §6731. Mahogany quahogs
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as provided in subsection 3 , a person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current mahogany quahog license. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §42 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

2. Licensed activities. The holder of a mahogany quahog license may: A. Fish for or take mahogany quahogs in any harvesting area indicated on the license; [PL 1989, c. 828, §2 (NEW).] B. Possess or transport mahogany quahogs within the State; or [PL 2005, c. 434, §7 (AMD).] C. Sell mahogany quahogs that the holder has taken to a wholesale seafood license holder certified under section 6856 or an enhanced retail certificate holder under section 6852, subsection 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 598, §32 (AMD).] The license authorizes crew members aboard the licensee's boat to undertake these activities when engaged in dragging for mahogany quahogs if the licensee is present. [PL 2011, c. 598, §32 (AMD).]

3. Personal use exception. A person may take or possess no more than 3 bushels of mahogany quahogs for personal use in one day without a license. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §42 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

4. Fee. The fee for a mahogany quahog license is $128. Fees collected pursuant to this section must be deposited in the General Fund. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §20 (AMD).]

5. Conditions. Each licensee may participate in the monitoring program established in section 6731-A within the harvest area indicated on the license. The holder of a mahogany quahog license shall comply with all other conditions of licensing established by the commissioner. [PL 1989, c. 828, §3 (NEW).]

6. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §42 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1866 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1866
12 §1866. Abandoned watercraft
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Abandoned watercraft" means any watercraft that is inoperative and neglected, submerged or partially submerged or that has been left by the owner in coastal waters without intention of removal. This term includes motors, electronic and mechanical equipment and other machinery customarily used in the operation of watercraft. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. "Coastal waters" means those waters within the jurisdiction of the State under Title 1, section 2 , including intertidal land as defined in section 572 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. "Owner" means the person who claims lawful possession of a watercraft by legal title or equitable interest in the watercraft. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. "Watercraft" means any type of vessel, boat, barge, float or craft 20 or more feet in length that is used or capable of use as a means of transportation on water. "Watercraft" includes seaplanes. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility. An abandoned watercraft is subject to removal under this section only under the following conditions. A. A permit under Title 38, section 9 has not been granted by the municipal board or commission entrusted with harbor management for the area. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. A landowner has not granted permission to a watercraft owner to abandon a watercraft on that landowner's property. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Notice has been given the director within 120 days of the date that the municipal board or commission determines, in its opinion, that the watercraft has been abandoned. [PL 2003, c. 254, §4 (AMD).] D. [PL 2003, c. 254, §4 (RP).] Watercraft that have been abandoned prior to July 1, 1993 are not subject to removal under this section. The municipal board or commission entrusted with harbor management is responsible for the notice requirements under this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 254, §4 (AMD).]

3. Ownership. The municipal board or commission entrusted with harbor management shall attempt to determine the owner of a watercraft considered by that body to be abandoned. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

4. Responsibility of the director. The director is responsible for the following. A. After notification under subsection 2 , the director shall investigate any report of an abandoned watercraft and give notice to the owner if an owner can be identified. The notice must require the owner to respond within 15 days and to remove the watercraft from the coastal waters within 60 days of notification by the director or, if the watercraft is icebound, within 60 days of ice-out in the body of water where the watercraft is located. If the owner of a watercraft to whom the director has given notice does not respond to the notice and remove the watercraft within the time period specified or the owner can not be identified or contacted, the director may initiate removal of the watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 254, §5 (AMD).] B. Beginning July 1, 1993 the director shall establish and implement, subject to available funding, a program to remove from coastal waters those abandoned watercraft that have been reported under subsection 3 . The program must provide that, if another government agency is responsible for removal of an abandoned watercraft, the director shall notify that agency of the existence of that abandoned watercraft. Funding for removal by the director comes from funds available from the Submerged Lands Fund established under section 1861 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. The director may authorize a 3rd party to remove abandoned watercraft if the director is satisfied that the work will be completed. Ninety-five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the salvaged watercraft accrue to the 3rd party and 5% accrue to the Submerged Lands Fund established under section 1861 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. Notwithstanding the time periods for owner removal specified in paragraph A , if the director determines at any time that a watercraft is a health or safety hazard, the director may immediately remove the watercraft from the coastal waters. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] E. If the director removes a watercraft from coastal waters under this subsection, the director may sell the watercraft. Any proceeds from the sale must first be applied to the costs to the State directly related to the expense of removal of the watercraft. Any money that remains may be applied to any liens against the watercraft. Money that finally remains must accrue to the Submerged Lands Fund established under section 1861 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] F. Abandoned watercraft located on intertidal land may not be removed by the director without the permission of the landowner. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] G. The director may adopt rules governing abandoned watercraft in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 254, §5 (AMD).]

5. Method of removal. The method of removal of abandoned watercraft, whether by the owner, by a 3rd party or by the State, must comply with all state and federal environmental laws. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

6. Civil action. If the State is not compensated for removal costs under the provisions of subsection 4 , the State may bring a civil action against the owner of the abandoned watercraft to cover any cost of state removal of the abandoned watercraft from coastal waters. The court in its discretion may award an additional 50% of the cost of removal. The penalty is payable to the submerged lands leasing program pursuant to section 1862 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6720 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6720
12 §6720. Vessel limitation
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Family member" means a spouse, sibling, child's spouse, parent by blood, parent by adoption, spouse's parent, child by blood, child by adoption, stepchild, stepparent, grandchild or grandparent. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §61 (COR).] B. "Owner" means: (1) An individual who is the owner of a vessel registered under chapter 935 or the owner of a vessel documented under 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67; (2) The person who owns the highest percentage of a partnership, corporation or other entity that is the owner of a vessel registered under chapter 935 or a vessel documented under 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67; or (3) When 2 or more people own in equal proportion the highest percentages of a partnership, corporation or other entity that owns a vessel registered under chapter 935 or a vessel documented under 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67, one of the highest percentage owners as designated by the owners of that partnership, corporation or other entity. [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §61 (COR).]

2. Owner or family member on board. Beginning January 1, 2018, except as provided in subsection 3 , a vessel may not be used for dragging for scallops in the State's territorial waters unless that vessel is owned by a person holding a scallop dragging license issued under section 6702 and: A. The owner of that vessel is present on that vessel and has that vessel named on the owner's scallop dragging license; or [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] B. A family member of the vessel owner holds a scallop dragging license issued under section 6702 and is present on that vessel. [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).]

3. Exemptions; individuals. Beginning January 1, 2018, the commissioner may authorize a person to drag for scallops from a vessel when an owner or family member is not on board pursuant to subsection 2 if that person holds a scallop dragging license issued under section 6702 and: A. The owner of that vessel holds a scallop dragging license issued under section 6702 , documents to the commissioner that an illness or disability temporarily prevents that owner from fishing for or taking scallops from that vessel and requests in writing to the commissioner that the commissioner authorize that person to use that vessel to fish for or take scallops; [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] B. Is the owner of a vessel that has become temporarily inoperable because of an accident or a mechanical failure and requests in writing permission from the commissioner to use that vessel to fish for or take scallops; [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] C. Was the owner of a vessel that was named on that person's scallop dragging license but is no longer the owner of that vessel due to sale or foreclosure. The person must demonstrate immediate intent to become the owner of another vessel to be used to fish for or take scallops and request in writing permission from the commissioner to use the other vessel to fish for or take scallops for a limited period of time; or [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] D. The person recorded landings of scallops taken by dragging during the scallop dragging season that ended immediately prior to November 30, 2017, dragged for those scallops from one boat and that boat did not have on board an individual who meets the requirements of subsection 2, paragraph A or B and the owner of the boat was a family member of the person applying for the exemption under this paragraph. [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).]

4. Exemptions based upon 2017 fishing. Beginning January 1, 2018, a person may drag for scallops from a vessel when an owner or family member is not on board pursuant to subsection 2 during the first scallop dragging season that begins after November 30, 2017 pursuant to section 6722 if that person holds a scallop dragging license issued under section 6702 and: A. The person recorded landings of scallops taken by dragging during the scallop dragging season that ended immediately prior to November 30, 2017 pursuant to section 6722 , dragged for those scallops from one boat and that boat did not have on board an individual who meets the requirements of subsection 2, paragraph A or B and the owner of the boat was a family member of the person applying for the exemption under this paragraph. A person qualifies for the exemption under this paragraph only as long as the person drags for scallops and records landings of scallops taken by dragging from the same boat used to originally qualify for this exemption and that boat is owned by the same family member; or [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).] B. [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §6720, sub-§4, ¶B (RP).] [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).]

5. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement and administer this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 222, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11351 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11351
12 §11351. Bear bag limit
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish by rule limits on the number of bears a person may hunt, trap and possess in a season, which may not exceed 2 bears in total and may not exceed one bear by trapping in a calendar year, except a person may keep more than 2 legally obtained bears in that person's home as otherwise provided in law or rule. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]

1. Hunting or trapping bear; limit. A person may not in one calendar year: A. Hunt bear after that person has killed or registered the least of: (1) Two bears by means of hunting; (2) One bear by means of hunting and one by means of trapping during the open season on trapping bear under section 12260 ; and (3) The maximum number established by rule under this section; or [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).] B. Trap bear after that person has killed or registered the least of: (1) Two bears by means of hunting; (2) One bear by means of trapping during the open season on trapping bear under section 12260 ; and (3) The maximum number established by rule under this section. [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).] The daily bag limit on bear taken by hunting is one bear. [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (RPR); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]

2. Exceeding limit on bear. A person may not possess more than 2 bears in any calendar year, or the maximum number of bears established by rule under this section, whichever is less, except a person may keep more than 2 legally obtained bears in that person's home or as otherwise provided in law or rule. [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (RPR); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative of not less than 3 days for the first offense and of not less than 10 days for each succeeding offense; the court also shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000. [PL 2021, c. 100, §7 (RPR); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6304 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6304
12 §6304. Fees
Status: in_force

1. One-half fee after September 30th. [PL 1993, c. 499, §1 (RP).]

2. Duplication. Licenses that have been lost or destroyed must be reissued at a cost of $6. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10151 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10151
12 §10151. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council
Status: in_force

1. Appointment. The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council, established by Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 20 and referred to in this Part as the "advisory council," consists of 11 members, with 10 members representing the 16 counties of the State in the following manner: one member representing Androscoggin County, Kennebec County and Sagadahoc County; one member representing Aroostook County; one member representing Cumberland County; one member representing Franklin County and Oxford County; one member representing Hancock County; one member representing Knox County, Lincoln County and Waldo County; one member representing Penobscot County; one member representing Piscataquis County and Somerset County; one member representing Washington County; and one member representing York County. The 11th member must be a member of a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in the State. Members of the advisory council are appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over fisheries and wildlife matters and to confirmation by the Legislature. The Governor shall appoint the member who is a member of a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in the State based on the joint recommendation of the tribal governments of the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik and the Penobscot Nation. If these tribal governments do not make a unanimous joint recommendation, the Governor shall appoint a member of a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in the State and rotate the appointment among members of each federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in the State. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee is a nonvoting, ex officio member of the advisory council, but may vote to break a tie. An employee of the department may not serve as a member of the advisory council prior to the expiration of one year from that employee's last day of employment with the department. A Legislator may not serve as a member of the advisory council. A former Legislator who was a member of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over fisheries and wildlife matters may not serve as a member of the advisory council prior to the expiration of one year from that former Legislator's last day of membership on that committee. [PL 2021, c. 72, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

2. Length of terms. Appointments are for a term of 3 years and until successors are appointed and qualified. A person may not serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms. On the death, resignation or removal from office of any person appointed to the advisory council, the Governor shall appoint a member to serve for the unexpired term. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Expenses. The members of the advisory council are entitled to compensation as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Duties. The advisory council shall: A. [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (RP).] B. [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (RP).] C. Hold regular meetings with the commissioner or the deputy commissioner to provide information and advice on enhancing fisheries and wildlife resource management in the State; [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (NEW).] D. Form stakeholder groups with relevant areas of expertise to obtain information and make recommendations on enhancing fisheries and wildlife resource management in the State; [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (NEW).] E. Convene stakeholder group meetings at least annually in areas of the State where deer populations need to be enhanced; [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (NEW).] F. Attend public hearings on rules proposed by the commissioner and make recommendations based on public and stakeholder input regarding those rules; and [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (NEW).] G. Provide and present a written annual summary of the advisory council's activities and accomplishments to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters. [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 375, §2 (RPR).]

5. Meetings. All regular and special meetings of the advisory council must be public meetings and must be held in a public meeting place convenient for the public, except as permitted under paragraph A . Public comment must be accepted at regular and special meetings of the advisory council. Comments may be restricted to subjects before the advisory council at the meeting and consistent with any applicable requirements and limitations of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. Public notice of all regular and special advisory council meetings must be published in a daily newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area where the meeting is scheduled at least 7 days and not more than 21 days prior to the meeting except in circumstances when emergency rulemaking is necessary. That notice must include an agenda or statement of purpose of the meeting. That notice may be combined with any other notice of the meeting required by law. A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the advisory council may conduct a public meeting using telephonic, video, electronic or other means of remote participation if: (1) Notice of the public meeting has been given in accordance with this subsection and the notice includes the method by which the public may attend in accordance with subparagraph (3); (2) Each member who is participating in the public meeting is able to hear and speak to all other members during the public meeting and members of the public attending the public meeting in the location identified in the notice are able to hear all members participating at other locations; (3) The advisory council determines that the public may participate through telephonic, video, electronic or other similar means of remote participation; and (4) All votes taken during the public meeting are taken by roll call vote. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (COR).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (COR).]

6. Officers. At the meeting held in May of each year, the advisory council may elect one member as chair and one member as vice-chair. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Quorum. A quorum is a majority of the current members of the advisory council. [PL 2013, c. 408, §6 (NEW).]

8. Advisory council actions. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the advisory council present at a meeting or polled is required for any action. [PL 2013, c. 408, §6 (NEW).]

9. Attendance at meetings. If a member of the advisory council is not present for 3 consecutive meetings, that member may be replaced. [PL 2013, c. 408, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6571 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6571
12 §6571. Washington County
Status: in_force

Within the territorial waters adjacent to Washington County: [PL 2001, c. 272, §11 (AMD).]

1. Otter or beam trawls prohibited. From May 1st to December 15th, both days inclusive, it shall be unlawful to use either otter or beam trawls, except in the St. Croix River above or north of Quoddy Head lighthouse; and [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

2. Purse seines prohibited. [PL 1983, c. 731, §3 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 10404 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 905 / Section 10404
12 §10404. New Hampshire officers
Status: in_force

Whenever a violation of the marine resources laws or the inland fish and wildlife laws of the State of New Hampshire or the State of Maine is committed or attempted to be committed by any person or persons fishing in any waters or portion of any waters lying between New Hampshire and Maine, any warden or other person who is authorized to make arrests for violations of the marine resources laws and the inland fish and wildlife laws of New Hampshire may make arrests on any part of the waters between New Hampshire and Maine or the shores of those waters and to take the person or persons arrested for trial to the state in which the violation was committed and there to prosecute that person or persons according to the laws of that state. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6521 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6521
12 §6521. Dumping of dead marine animals or scaled finfish
Status: in_force

1. Deposition of dead marine animals; exception. A person may not deposit or discard, in intertidal zones or in harbors or rivers below the dividing line between tidewater and fresh water, any dead marine animal or its parts, except that: A. A person may deposit oyster shell cultch in those waters solely to promote growth of oysters with the written permission of the commissioner and under any conditions the commissioner determines appropriate; and [PL 2007, c. 615, §16 (NEW).] B. The commissioner may grant an exception to this subsection within federal requirements for the purpose of conducting research on dead marine animals. [PL 2007, c. 615, §16 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 615, §16 (RPR).]

2. Scaled finfish. A person may not deposit, release or dump into the coastal waters any dead or alive finfish from which the scales have been removed. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11228 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11228
12 §11228. Hunting with dogs
Status: in_force

1. Collar required. A person may not hunt with a dog in pursuit of bear, coyote, bobcat, fox or raccoon unless the dog has a collar with a functioning global positioning system tracker and a collar that legibly provides the name, telephone number and address of the owner of that dog. For purposes of this subsection, "global positioning system tracker" means an electronic device that allows a person hunting with a dog to track the dog's location at all times. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2011, c. 432, §2 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2011, c. 432, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 580, §8 (AMD).]

2. Limit on number of dogs. A person or persons may not use more than 6 dogs at any one time to hunt coyotes, foxes, raccoons or bobcats. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2021, c. 580, §9 (AMD).]

3. Night hunting with dogs. A person may not use a dog to hunt coyotes during the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2011, c. 432, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12161 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12161
12 §12161. Taking of certain nonmarine invertebrates from the wild for commercial purposes
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition; penalties. Except as provided in this section, a person may not take and possess certain nonmarine invertebrates, specifically freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies or beetles, from the wild for export, sale or commercial purposes. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).]

2. Commercial nonmarine invertebrate permit. Persons harvesting freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies or beetles for export, sale or commercial purposes are required to obtain a permit from the commissioner. The fee for a permit issued under this subsection is $27. The permit expires one year from the date of issuance. [PL 2017, c. 205, §24 (AMD).]

3. Rules. The commissioner may by rule: A. Require reporting of commercial harvest activities, including at a minimum dates, locations and numbers collected by species; [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).] B. Establish daily and season possession limits; and [PL 2017, c. 205, §25 (AMD).] C. [PL 2017, c. 205, §26 (RP).] D. Require humane harvest, confinement and disposal methods. [PL 2011, c. 253, §24 (NEW).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 205, §§25, 26 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6543 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6543
12 §6543. Standard unit of herring measure
Status: in_force

A person who purchases or sells herring in their live or raw state for packing, other than by a standard unit of measure or by a fractional part of a standard unit of measure, commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. The standard units of measure are the bushel, barrel of 3 bushels or the hogshead of 17 1/2 bushels. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §6 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 902 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 211 / Section 902
12 §902. Public reserved lots in park
Status: reserved

The public reserved lots in the area known as Baxter State Park shall be forever held in trusts, and are here declared to be so held, as part of said park not only as respects the interests conveyed to the State by Percival Proctor Baxter but as respects the basic title originally owned by the State. The basic title of each such lot is declared to be held in the same trusts and for the same purposes as are declared in the deed or deeds of the said Percival Proctor Baxter conveying to the State his interest in such lot.
12 M.R.S. § 9602 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9602
12 §9602. Obstruction of discontinued woods roads prohibited
Status: in_force

A person, unless authorized by the director, may not obstruct any improved woods road or way used for the removal of forest growth, upon the discontinuance from use or abandonment of the road or way, if it may be reasonably utilized for preventing or suppressing forest fires. This provision does not prohibit a landowner from exercising the landowner's right to close or cause to be closed woods roads or ways by chains or gates. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §73 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 1817 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1817
12 §1817. Report
Status: in_force

The bureau shall study and ascertain as nearly as possible and report to the Governor from time to time: [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

1. Outdoor recreation status. The State's actual and potential outdoor recreation resources and facilities; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Recreation needs. The needs of the people of this State and out-of-state visitors for outdoor recreation resources and facilities; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

3. Recreation resources. The kinds of resources and facilities best suited to and required for such recreation needs; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

4. Extent to which recreation needs are met. The extent to which such recreation needs are being met currently, whether by publicly owned or privately owned facilities; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

5. Acquisition of parks. The location and probable cost of acquisition, development and operation of parks that if acquired, developed and operated under this chapter could satisfy such needs; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

6. Public purposes of parks to meet recreation needs. The public purposes to which such parks or portions of parks might be put. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

7. Comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. Beginning January 1, 2003 and every 5 years thereafter, the director shall submit a state comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state parks and public lands matters, referred to in this subsection as the "committee of legislative oversight." The plan submitted by the bureau for review and approval by the National Park Service to establish the bureau's eligibility for funding from the land and water conservation fund under 16 United States Code, Section 4601-11 meets the requirements of this subsection. If federal funding is not available for updating the state plan, the bureau may make a written request to the committee of legislative oversight for an extension for submitting the plan. Upon receiving an extension request, the committee of legislative oversight shall discuss the advisability of an extension and the availability of state funds for preparation of the update. The committee may authorize an extension by writing to the director and stating the year by which an update must be received. A copy of the written extension must be filed by the committee with the Executive Director of the Legislative Council. [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]

Such studies and reports must be accompanied by other information, statistics and charts that adequately inform the Governor of the character, condition and needs for recreation resources and facilities in the State and may be accompanied by specific recommendations for new legislation or other action to be taken. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12761 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12761
12 §12761. Construction of new dams or other artificial obstructions
Status: in_force

1. Notice required. Prior to construction or prior to authorizing construction of a new dam or other obstruction in the inland waters, the owner, lessee or other person in control of the dam or other artificial obstruction shall provide written notice to the commissioner and the Commissioner of Marine Resources supplying information on construction plans, proposed location and date of construction of the dam or other artificial obstruction. [PL 2011, c. 612, §2 (AMD).]

2. Initiation of fishway proceedings. Within 30 days of receipt of the construction notice pursuant to subsection 1 , the commissioner and the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall review the plans in order to determine whether fishway construction or alteration of proposed fishway construction plans may be required pursuant to the criteria set forth in section 12760, subsection 4 . If the commissioners determine that the construction or alteration may be necessary, the commissioners shall initiate fishway proceedings and follow the procedures prescribed in section 12760 . [PL 2011, c. 612, §2 (AMD).]

3. Unlawful building of dam. A person may not build any dam or other obstruction in any of the rivers, streams or brooks of this State without first filing written notice with the commissioner and the Commissioner of Marine Resources pursuant to subsection 1 . A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §305 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §305 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2011, c. 612, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1896 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1896
12 §1896. Boating Facilities Fund
Status: in_force

There is created within the bureau the Boating Facilities Fund, referred to in this subchapter as the "fund." The fund, as funded under Title 36, section 2903‑D, subsection 1 , must be available to the director in carrying out the duties of the bureau under this subchapter. This fund is a continuous carrying account. The fund also receives fees collected under subchapter 10 and is available to the director in carrying out the duties specified under subchapter 10 . [PL 2015, c. 252, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6860 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 625 / Section 6860
12 §6860. Labeling of shrimp
Status: in_force

A person who processes and packages shrimp without clearly marking the country or state of origin on the container commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §10 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12659-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12659-A
12 §12659-A. Ice fishing regulations
Status: in_force

1. Five-line limit. Unless otherwise provided by rule, a person licensed to fish may not fish through the ice with more than 5 lines set or otherwise. A. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §9 (RP).] B. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §9 (RP).] C. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 477, §17 (NEW).] D. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 477, §17 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 477, §17 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §10 (RP).]

3. Unattended lines. Except as provided in subsection 4 , a person licensed to fish shall have all lines under that person's immediate supervision. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 477, §18 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 477, §18 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 477, §18 (AMD).]

4. Checking cusk lines. A person fishing through the ice for cusk in the nighttime shall visit at least once every hour all lines set by that person for cusk. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 477, §19 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 477, §19 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 214, §10 (AMD).]

5. Penalty. [PL 2005, c. 477, §20 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6728-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6728-A
12 §6728-A. Shell size minimum (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6729) (REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 6721-A)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6729)

(REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 6721-A)
12 M.R.S. § 13111 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 937 / Section 13111
12 §13111. Snowmobile rental agent certificate
Status: in_force

1. Registration and issuance. Except as provided in this section, a person or business may not rent or lease a snowmobile unless that person or business: A. Registers with the department as a snowmobile rental agent and is issued a snowmobile rental agent certificate from the commissioner; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Obtains a Maine certificate of number for each snowmobile being offered for rent or lease in the name of the person or business holding that certificate; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Instructs each person who rents or leases a snowmobile how to operate the snowmobile, including how to use the brake, throttle and kill switch, and provides to that person a pamphlet describing proper hand signals. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §398 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Exception; guides. This section does not apply to a person lawfully engaged in guiding activities under section 12853 who accompanies others on guided trips that include the use of snowmobiles, except that such a person must provide the operators of snowmobiles with instructions equivalent to those described in subsection 1, paragraph C . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Fee. The fee for a snowmobile rental agent certificate is $25. The certificate is valid from July 1st to June 30th. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Prohibition; penalty. A person may not rent or lease a snowmobile in violation of this section. A. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §399 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this section after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §399 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §399 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 549-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 549-A
12 §549-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

1. Development. "Development" means all of the methods used in the preparation of a known and presumed economically extractable ore deposit for mining. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

2. Director of the survey. "Director of the survey" means the executive head of the survey under section 543, subsection 1 . [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. Z, §1 (AMD).]

3. Exploration. "Exploration" means an examination of an area for the purpose of discovering the presence of minerals with techniques which include all of the manual, mechanical, electronic or chemical methods of determining the presence, size and quality of a mineral deposit. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

4. Explosives. "Explosives" means explosive materials which are used to explore, develop or mine a mineral deposit. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

5. Machinery. "Machinery" means equipment or machinery, exclusive of vehicles, which is used to explore, develop or mine a mineral deposit. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

6. Minerals. "Minerals" means all naturally occurring mineral deposits, including hydrocarbons and peat, but excluding sand, gravel and water. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

7. Mining. "Mining" means all of the extractive and beneficiative processes necessary to remove and prepare a mineral deposit for market. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

8. Ore. "Ore" means any mineral or an aggregate of minerals which can be extracted from the earth economically. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

9. Person. "Person" means individuals, partnerships, corporations and other entities. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

10. Royalty. "Royalty" means the amount paid to the State for the right to remove minerals from state land, including minimum and preproduction payments. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]

11. State lands. "State lands" means all lands owned or held in trust by the State or in which the State holds an interest, including inland and tidal submerged lands and waters. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12708 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12708
12 §12708. Wildlife management areas and public access sites
Status: in_force

1. Designation and classification of wildlife management areas. The following areas are classified as wildlife management areas. A. The following described territories are classified as wildlife management areas to be managed by the commissioner in accordance with the principles of wildlife management, as defined in section 10001, subsection 73 , and subject to the commissioner's authority under section 12701 : (1) Bartlett's Island in Hancock County; (2) Colby College Area: The Mayflower Hill Campus of Colby College comprising approximately 640 acres of land. It is located west of the center of Waterville bounded in general as follows: From a stone marker on the west bank of Messalonskee Stream, said marker located across the stream from a point approximately 400 feet north of Riverview Avenue. Runs north along bank of Messalonskee Stream to a point approximately 2,000 feet north of Cedar Bridge (North Street), thence in a northeasterly direction to a cement marker on the Second Rangeway at a point approximately 900 feet northeast of intersection with Rice Rips Road, thence in a southwesterly direction to Rice Rips Road, thence east approximately 300 feet, thence southwesterly again approximately parallel to and west of the Second Rangeway for approximately 1,800 feet to a cement marker, thence easterly to the Second Rangeway, thence in a southerly direction on east side of Second Rangeway for approximately 1,900 feet to a cement marker and college sign; thence southeast approximately 5,400 feet to Mt. Merici property line post and cement marker; thence in easterly direction to and across Mayflower Hill Drive in offset manner (east offset marked with stone or cement marker post) to and across Maine Central railroad to the point of beginning on west bank of Messalonskee Stream; (3) Deer Isle and Stonington: The Towns of Deer Isle and Stonington, Hancock County; (6) Lowell E. Barnes Wildlife Management Area: Certain lots or parcels of land situated in Hiram, County of Oxford, State of Maine, bounded and described as follows: (a) A parcel of land containing 700 acres more or less bounded northerly by land now or formerly of Lusanna Hubbard, Lemuel Cotton and M.L. Wardsworth; easterly by land now or formerly of James Edgecomb; southerly by land now or formerly owned or occupied by Llewellyn A. Wardsworth, Asbury Huntress and Orison Adams; and westerly by land now or formerly of James Ayer, Harrison Sanburn, James Ayer again, the George F. Brooks place, so called, being the lot next below described and land now or formerly of Fred Small, Seth Spring and Freeman Flye; (b) A parcel of land containing 25 acres, more or less, situated westerly of the above described lot and known as the George F. Brooks place; and (c) A parcel of land containing 70 acres, more or less, situated adjacent to the first parcel above described and bounded north, east and west by said first above described parcel and southerly by land now or formerly of James Ayer and Elmer Hodgdon. Said parcel is known as the Dennis Stanley place; (7) Marsh Island: Marsh Island in Penobscot County; and (8) Oak Grove: The campus and land of Oak Grove School, in the Town of Vassalboro, County of Kennebec, situated on the east side of Route No. 100; and all the land of said school situated on the west side of Route No. 100. Sebago Lake Basin Wildlife Management Area: All that portion of Sebago Lake commonly known as Sebago Lake Basin lying below the high water mark in the Towns of Standish and Windham. [PL 2005, c. 477, §21 (AMD).] B. The following areas are classified as state-owned wildlife management areas, or "WMAs": (1) Blanchard/AuClair WMA (Roach River Corridor) - T1 R14 WELS - Piscataquis County; (2) Major Gregory Sanborn WMA - Brownfield, Denmark, Fryeburg - Oxford County; (3) George Bucknam WMA (Belgrade Stream) - Mt. Vernon - Kennebec County; (4) Caesar Pond WMA - Bowdoin - Sagadahoc County; (4-A) Caribou Stream WMA - Washburn, Woodland - Aroostook County; (5) Chesterville WMA - Chesterville - Franklin County; (6) Alan E. Hutchinson WMA - all state-owned coastal islands that are owned or managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; (7) Dickwood Lake WMA - Eagle Lake - Aroostook County; (8) Francis D. Dunn WMA (Sawtelle Deadwater) - T6 R7 WELS - Penobscot County; (9) Fahi Pond WMA - Embden - Somerset County; (10) Lyle Frost WMA (formerly Scammon) - Eastbrook, Franklin - Hancock County; (11) Alonzo H. Garcelon WMA (Mud Mill Flowage) - Augusta, Windsor, Vassalboro, China - Kennebec County; (12) Great Works WMA - Edmunds Township - Washington County; (13) Jamies Pond WMA - Manchester, Farmingdale, Hallowell - Kennebec County; (14) Jonesboro WMA - Jonesboro - Washington County; (15) Earle R. Kelley WMA (Dresden Bog) - Alna, Dresden - Lincoln County; (16) Kennebunk Plains WMA - Kennebunk - York County; (17) Bud Leavitt WMA (Bull Hill) - Atkinson, Charleston, Dover-Foxcroft, Garland - Penobscot County and Piscataquis County; (18) Gene Letourneau WMA (Frye Mountain) - Montville, Knox, Morrill - Waldo County; (18-A) Lexington WMA - Lexington Township - Somerset County; (19) Long Lake WMA - St. Agatha - Aroostook County (all of Long Lake within the Town of St. Agatha); (19-A) Macwahoc WMA - Upper Molunkus Township, North Yarmouth Academy Grant Township (T1 R4 WELS) - Aroostook County; (20) Madawaska WMA - Palmyra - Somerset County; (20-A) Maine Youth Conservation WMA - T32MD - Hancock County; (21) Mainstream WMA - Cambridge, Ripley - Somerset County; (22) Lt. Gordon Manuel WMA - Hodgdon, Cary Township, Linneus - Aroostook County; (23) Maynard F. Marsh WMA (Killick Pond) - Hollis, Limington - York County; (24) Mercer Bog WMA - Mercer - Somerset County; (25) Merrymeeting Bay WMA - Dresden, Bowdoinham, Woolwich, Bath, Topsham - Lincoln County and Sagadahoc County; (26) Morgan Meadow WMA - Raymond - Cumberland County; (27) Mt. Agamenticus WMA - York, South Berwick - York County; (28) Muddy River WMA - Topsham - Sagadahoc County; (29) Narraguagus Junction WMA - Cherryfield - Washington County; (30) Old Pond Farm WMA - Maxfield, Howland - Penobscot County; (31) Orange River WMA - Whiting - Washington County; (32) Peaks Island WMA - Portland - Cumberland County; (33) Pennamaquam WMA - Pembroke, Charlotte - Washington County; (34) Steve Powell WMA - Perkins Township - Sagadahoc County (being the islands in the Kennebec River near Richmond known as Swan Island and Little Swan Island, formerly known as Alexander Islands); (35) David Priest WMA (Dwinal Pond) - Lee, Winn - Penobscot County; (35-A) Rangeley WMA - Rangeley - Franklin County; (36) James Dorso Ruffingham Meadow WMA - Montville, Searsmont - Waldo County; (37) St. Albans WMA - St. Albans - Somerset County; (38) Sandy Point WMA - Stockton Springs - Waldo County; (39) Scarborough WMA - Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, Saco - Cumberland County and York County; (40) Steep Falls WMA - Standish, Baldwin - Cumberland County; (41) Tyler Pond WMA - Manchester, Augusta - Kennebec County; (42) Vernon S. Walker WMA - Newfield, Shapleigh - York County; (43) R. Waldo Tyler Weskeag Marsh WMA - South Thomaston, Thomaston, Rockland, Owl's Head, Friendship - Knox County; (43-A) Kennebec River Estuary WMA - Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath, Woolwich - Sagadahoc County; (43-B) Tolla Wolla WMA - Livermore - Androscoggin County; (43-C) Green Point WMA - Dresden - Lincoln County; (43-D) Hurds Pond WMA - Swanville - Waldo County; (43-E) Sherman Lake WMA - Newcastle, Damariscotta - Lincoln County; (43-F) Ducktrap River WMA - Belmont, Lincolnville - Waldo County; (45) Stump Pond WMA - New Vineyard - Franklin County; (47) Cobscook Bay WMA - Lubec, Pembroke, Perry, Trescott Township - Washington County; (48) Mattawamkeag River System WMA - Drew Plantation, Kingman Township, Prentiss Township, Webster Township - Penobscot County; (49) Booming Ground WMA - Forest City - Washington County; (50) Butler Island WMA - Ashland - Aroostook County; (51) Pollard Flat WMA - Masardis - Aroostook County; (52) Caribou Bog WMA - Old Town, Orono - Penobscot County; (53) Delano WMA - Monson - Piscataquis County; (54) Egypt Bay WMA - Hancock - Hancock County; (55) Spring Brook WMA - Hancock - Hancock County; (56) Strong WMA - Strong - Franklin County; (57) Plymouth Bog WMA - Plymouth, Detroit, Burnham - Penobscot County, Somerset County and Waldo County; (58) Such other areas as the commissioner designates, by rules adopted in accordance with section 12701 , as state-owned wildlife management areas; and (59) Pleasant Bay WMA - Addison - Washington County. [PL 2025, c. 132, §§8-12 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §§8-12 (AMD).]

2. The Public Boat Launch Access Program. The Public Boat Launch Access Program, referred to in this subsection as the "program," is established in the department. The purpose of the program is to provide anglers, boaters and other persons fair and equitable public access to public waters that offer recreational fishing opportunities by acquiring lands adjacent to those waters and providing appropriate opportunities to access those waters. The commissioner may establish program priorities based on fishery management or other resource management objectives and may use for these purposes any funds received through federal programs intended to aid in the restoration of sport fishing and other revenues available for providing access to public waters. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12254 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12254
12 §12254. Labeling traps
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not set a trap for any wild animal without having the trap plainly labeled with that person's full name and address or that person's trapping online licensing system identification number issued by the department. [PL 2025, c. 64, §1 (AMD).]

2. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §216 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §216 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §216 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10307 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10307
12 §10307. Expenditures from fund; distribution
Status: in_force

The board shall make grants, applications for which must be reviewed in accordance with section 10309 , to natural resources agencies for projects found consistent with the criteria and the strategic plan adopted by the board pursuant to section 10308, subsection 5, paragraph A . Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, the board shall distribute annually available grant money as follows: [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Fisheries and wildlife; habitat conservation. Thirty-five percent of the money in the fund for fisheries and wildlife and habitat conservation projects; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Public lands and access; outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Thirty-five percent of the money in the fund for acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Endangered and threatened species. Fifteen percent of the money in the fund for endangered and threatened species conservation projects; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Natural resources law enforcement. Fifteen percent of the money in the fund for natural resources law enforcement. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

The board is authorized to carry forward money in any of the percentage categories of this section into a successive year in the same category in the event that this carry-over better serves the strategic plan or that no grant applications in a particular year adhere to the strategic plan for a particular percentage category. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11551 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11551
12 §11551. Commissioner authority regarding moose
Status: in_force

The commissioner may issue applications for moose hunting permits, issue permits and make all rules pertaining to moose hunting permits, including provisions for the permittees who are selected for a permit but unable to use the permit. The commissioner may make all other rules that the commissioner considers necessary for the protection of the moose resource. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §175 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12156 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12156
12 §12156. Release of wildlife into wild
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not release into the wild captive, raised or imported wildlife unless that person has a valid permit issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2017, c. 205, §20 (AMD).]

2. Issuance. The commissioner may issue a written permit to any person permitting that person to release into the wild captive, raised or imported wildlife. [PL 2017, c. 205, §20 (AMD).]

3. Wild turkey restrictions. Only the commissioner or agents of the commissioner may sell, give away or release into the wild any live wild turkey, hybrid wild turkey, wild turkey-domestic turkey cross or fertile egg of these species. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1851 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1851
12 §1851. Sale of public reserved lands
Status: reserved

1. Authority to sell land. With the consent of the commissioner, the director may execute deeds on behalf of the State for public reserved land under the director's management and control, conveying lands that have been authorized to be conveyed by the Legislature or sold by lawful authority, subject to the provisions of section 598-A . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Parcels greater than 1/4 acre in size. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the director may make recommendations to the Legislature for the sale, exchange or relocation of public reserved lands greater than 1/4 acre in size, subject to the provisions of section 598-A . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

3. Parcels less than 1/4 acre in size. The director, after review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government and subsequent approval by the Governor and the commissioner, and subject to the provisions of section 598-A , may sell any parcel of public reserved land not exceeding 1/4 acre in size, provided that: A. The parcel is sold to the owner of private land that adjoins the parcel; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. The director determines that the parcel, because of its size, shape and location, has no use or value under public ownership but only as an adjunct to the adjoining private property; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. The sale is for fair market value of the parcel as determined by the director, taking into account factors including the effect of ownership of the parcel upon the value of the adjoining private property. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] Before making any sale, the director shall make a written finding with respect to the requirements of this subsection. The written finding must be available for public inspection at the director's office during regular working hours. It is the policy of the State that the requirements of this subsection be strictly applied and that sale of any parcel of a public reserved lot be discouraged except in compliance with this subsection. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

4. Notice of land sales, exchanges or relocations. Before requesting approval from the Legislature, the director shall give notice of the proposed sale, exchange or relocation and may hold a public hearing. A public hearing must be held by the director if requested by any party. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10502 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10502
12 §10502. Seizure of fish, wildlife and equipment
Status: in_force

1. Seizure; filing libel. All fish or wildlife hunted, trapped, fished, bought, sold, carried, transported or found in possession of any person in violation of this Part, and all currency used in violation of this Part and equipment, including but not limited to firearms, possessed or used in violation of this Part are contraband and subject to seizure by any officer authorized to enforce this Part. Except for property exempted from libel under subsection 2 , an officer making such a seizure shall file, within a reasonable time, with the court a libel against that property. The libel must describe the property seized and the date and place of that seizure, cite the provision of law that is alleged to have been violated and request a decree of forfeiture. The libel proceedings and disposal of property are governed by section 10503 . [PL 2011, c. 253, §4 (AMD).]

2. Exemption from libel proceedings. The following property may be lawfully seized under this section but is not subject to the libel requirements of this section: A. Unless reasonable doubt exists as to ownership, property having a value less than $100; [PL 2009, c. 340, §9 (AMD).] B. A firearm or archery equipment seized in connection with a violation of: (1) Section 11206 ; (2) Section 10902, subsection 6 ; (3) Section 10752, subsection 6, paragraph B and section 10902, subsection 4, paragraphs A and B ; or (4) Section 10906 ; [PL 2023, c. 239, §9 (AMD).] C. Fishing equipment that is seized in connection with a violation of section 10902, subsection 8 except for motor boats or motor vehicles; [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).] D. Fish or wildlife that is seized in connection with a violation of this Part; and [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).] E. Night vision equipment seized in connection with a violation of section 11206 . [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).] Property seized by the commissioner that is exempt from libel under this subsection must be retained by the commissioner pending disposition of proceedings and is forfeited to the State upon conviction or adjudication that the person committed a violation under this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 239, §9 (AMD).]

3. Disposal of forfeited property. The commissioner may dispose of property forfeited to the State under this section in any manner considered appropriate by the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 592, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 592, §5 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§5, 6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1802 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1802
12 §1802. Bureau of Parks and Lands established
Status: reserved

There is established within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry the Bureau of Parks and Lands, which shall carry out the responsibilities of State Government relating to parks, historic sites, submerged and intertidal lands, public reserved lands and nonreserved public lands. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. PPPPPP, §1 (AMD).]

1. Director. The executive head of the bureau is the director. A. The powers and duties of the position of director may not be combined with any other position within the bureau or department. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. PPPPPP, §1 (NEW).] B. The position of director may not be filled in an acting capacity; the appointee must be a permanent full-time employee. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. PPPPPP, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. PPPPPP, §1 (NEW).]

2. Deputy director. The director is assisted in executive duties by a deputy director. The deputy director position is a classified, confidential position. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. V, §1 (AMD).]

3. Personal attendance to duties. The director and the deputy director shall attend personally to the duties of their offices as far as practicable. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. PPPPPP, §1 (NEW).]

4. Appointment. The director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the commissioner. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. V, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 8424 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 803 / Section 8424
12 §8424. Program planning
Status: in_force

1. General authority. In accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, the Bureau of Forestry, acting under the supervision of the director, may plan for and undertake activities related to spruce budworm management programs on behalf of the State. [PL 2015, c. 314, §13 (AMD).]

2. Application for spray project eligibility. [PL 2015, c. 314, §14 (RP).]

3. Effect of application. [PL 2015, c. 314, §15 (RP).]

4. Spray project designation. [PL 2015, c. 314, §16 (RP).]

5. General conditions for applications and requests. [PL 2015, c. 314, §16 (RP).]

6. Settlement corridors. [PL 2015, c. 314, §17 (RP).]

7. Technical assistance programs. The Bureau of Forestry shall use its authorized technical assistance programs to assist landowners with spruce budworm management issues. [PL 2015, c. 314, §18 (AMD).]

8. Supply-demand analyses. The Bureau of Forestry shall conduct or cause to be conducted analyses of future supply and demand for the spruce and fir resources of the State. [PL 2015, c. 314, §18 (AMD).]

9. Environmental health monitoring. [PL 2015, c. 314, §19 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 598-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 202-D / Section 598-B
12 §598-B. Proceeds from the sale of designated land; limitation
Status: in_force

Proceeds from the sale of designated land under section 598‑A must be used to purchase additional land in the same county for the same purpose. [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1893 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1893
12 §1893. Off-road Recreational Vehicle Office
Status: in_force

1. Office established. There is established within the bureau the Off-road Recreational Vehicle Office, referred to in this subchapter as the "office." The office includes the following. A. Within available funds, the snowmobile program shall develop and maintain snowmobile trails and provide educational and informational materials for the use of operators of snowmobiles. The bureau may charge a reasonable fee for such services and materials when the money credited to it under chapter 937 is insufficient to satisfy the demand for those services and materials. All fees collected must be deposited in the bureau's Snowmobile Trail Fund. The bureau shall administer the Snowmobile Trail Fund, and the snowmobile program's other activities must be conducted pursuant to subsection 3 . The Snowmobile Trail Fund receives funding as provided in chapter 937 and Title 36, section 2903‑D, subsection 2 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. B, §21 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The bureau shall administer the ATV Recreational Management Fund established under subsection 2 for the purposes given in that subsection and for the acquisition of land to be used for designated state-approved ATV trails. The bureau may adopt rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A for the issuance of grants-in-aid from the fund and to further define alpine tundra areas pursuant to section 13001, subsection 4 . Additional funding for the ATV Recreational Management Fund is as provided in Title 36, section 2903‑D, subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 215, §1 (AMD).] C. The bureau shall use funds in the ATV Recreational Management Fund established under subsection 2 to ensure that maintenance of designated state-approved ATV trails occurs annually and to adopt and use best practices of motorized trail construction during construction and maintenance of designated state-approved ATV trails. The bureau shall adopt rules that establish a procedure to prioritize the bureau's maintenance of designated state-approved ATV trails. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 215, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 215, §§1, 2 (AMD).]

2. ATV Recreational Management Fund. The ATV Recreational Management Fund, referred to in this subsection as "the fund," is established and administered by the department. A. The fund may be used for the following purposes: (1) Conducting research on issues related to the management of ATVs; (2) Assisting in the formation of nonprofit ATV groups; (3) Making grants-in-aid to others, including political subdivisions, educational institutions, regional planning agencies and ATV groups, to construct and maintain designated state-approved ATV trails, to purchase equipment or to otherwise carry out the purposes of the fund; (4) Assisting in the design and development of designated state-approved ATV trails; (5) Ensuring that designated state-approved ATV trails are inspected annually; (6) Purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring interests in land, including, but not limited to, fee or easement interests for designated state-approved ATV trails or sport-riding facilities; (7) Providing protection to landowners against ATV-related suit or liability; and (8) Otherwise providing for the wise and orderly management of ATVs. [PL 2021, c. 215, §3 (RPR).] B. If any money in the fund is not expended during the year in which it is collected, the unexpended balance may not lapse, but must be carried as a continuing account available for the purposes specified until expended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. C, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 215, §3 (AMD).]

3. Use of fees. This subsection applies to the use of fees credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund. A. The bureau is authorized to use the money credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund to make grants-in-aid to political subdivisions, educational institutions, regional planning agencies, snowmobile groups and others for the construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails and for research, development and planning of snowmobile trails. (1) For all grants disbursed after July 1, 1984, the bureau shall adopt rules specifying how to apply for the grants, which projects are eligible and the formula for state support. (2) The bureau may charge a reasonable fee for these services and materials when the money credited to it under this paragraph is insufficient to satisfy the demand for the services and materials. All fees so collected must be deposited in the Snowmobile Trail Fund. (3) If any of the money is not expended during the year in which the money is collected, the unexpended balance does not lapse, but is carried as a continuing account available for the purposes specified until expended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. C, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The bureau is authorized to use money credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund for snowmobile trail acquisition, including, but not limited to, the purchase or lease of real estate, grants to snowmobile clubs, municipalities and counties for the acquisition of snowmobile trail maintenance equipment and the acquisition of easements, construction, development, planning and maintenance and for providing educational and informational materials for the use of operators of snowmobiles and for research. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. C, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The money distributed to municipalities by the bureau under this subsection may be appropriated by the municipalities for any purpose for which they may lawfully appropriate money. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. C, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. By June 30th of each fiscal year, the State Controller shall transfer from the Snowmobile Trail Fund to the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund an amount equal to the tax exemption under Title 36, section 1760, subsection 90 . [PL 2007, c. 429, §1 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 429, §3 (AFF).] [PL 2007, c. 429, §1 (AMD); PL 2007, c. 429, §3 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8304 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 803 / Section 8304
12 §8304. Control measures; protest
Status: in_force

Any public agency or group of owners carrying on or planning control measures may appeal to the director for permission to carry out the project in case the owner or owners of property in or adjacent to the control area refuses to do control work or to allow control work to be done on their property. The director may, after careful inspection and survey has shown an emergency exists according to the requirements of section 8301 , grant authority for control measures to be carried out on the protestors' lands. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12653 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12653
12 §12653. Taking fish by explosive, poisonous or stupefying substance
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not use dynamite or any other explosive, poisonous or stupefying substance at any time for the purpose of taking or destroying any kind of fish. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6731-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6731-A
12 §6731-A. Mahogany quahog monitoring program
Status: in_force

The department shall establish a program to protect the public health by monitoring the levels of paralytic shellfish toxin in mahogany quahogs. The department shall identify harvesting areas, sampling areas and stations needed to achieve this goal in accordance with the following provisions. [PL 1989, c. 828, §4 (NEW).]

1. Harvesting areas. The department shall establish harvesting areas that reflect the demand for taking mahogany quahogs by harvesters from the various regions of the State and the relative location of mahogany quahog beds. [PL 1989, c. 828, §4 (NEW).]

2. Industry groups. For each harvesting area the department shall establish a volunteer industry-based group to select mahogany quahog harvesters to collect samples and transport department personnel to and from sampling areas. Each group shall select and notify the department of the mahogany quahog harvesters who have volunteered for each month's sampling duty in the harvesting area. [PL 1989, c. 828, §4 (NEW).]

3. Sampling. The department shall schedule all sampling runs. A department observer shall be on board each vessel engaged in the sampling activity. The department shall notify the harvester in advance as to the time, location and number of samples to be collected. In the event weekly collection of samples is not feasible, an alternative sampling date may be established by the department. The department shall test for the presence of paralytic shellfish toxin in the samples. [PL 1989, c. 828, §4 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules, in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, necessary to achieve the intent of this section. [PL 1989, c. 828, §4 (NEW).]

5. Mahogany Quahog Monitoring Fund. The Mahogany Quahog Monitoring Fund is established within the department. The commissioner shall use any money credited to the Mahogany Quahog Monitoring Fund for the collection of samples required under this section to monitor the level of paralytic shellfish toxin in mahogany quahogs and to conduct stock assessments of the mahogany quahog resource. All money in the Mahogany Quahog Monitoring Fund is subject to allocation by the Legislature. The Mahogany Quahog Monitoring Fund may not lapse but must carry forward to be used for the same purpose. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the commissioner from using other funds budgeted by the department to carry out the purposes of this section. [PL 2003, c. 593, §1 (AMD).]

6. Stock assessment. The department shall conduct stock assessments of the mahogany quahog resource beginning no later than January 1, 2005. [PL 2011, c. 598, §33 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6433-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6433-A
12 §6433-A. Biodegradable escape panels
Status: in_force

Beginning January 1, 1990, all lobster traps must be equipped with a biodegradable ghost panel. A "ghost panel" is an escape panel which is designed to release lobsters from traps which are lost while fishing. The commissioner shall, by rule, provide for implementation of this requirement. The commissioner may not require ghost panels prior to January 1, 1990. [PL 1987, c. 569 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 4654 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4654
12 §4654. -- supplemental nature
Status: in_force

Any powers herein granted to the commission shall be regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a limitation upon any of the powers vested in said commission by other laws of the State of Maine or by the laws of the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida or by the Congress or the terms of said compact.
12 M.R.S. § 1863-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1863-A
12 §1863-A. Renewable Ocean Energy Trust
Status: in_force

1. Trust established. The Renewable Ocean Energy Trust, referred to in this section as "the trust," is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund to be used to protect and enhance the integrity of public trust-related resources and related human uses of the State's submerged lands. [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).]

2. Administration. The Treasurer of State shall administer the trust as provided in this section. [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).]

3. Sources of funds. The following funds must be transferred on receipt to the Treasurer of State for deposit in the trust: A. Eighty percent of the submerged lands leasing rental payments for renewable ocean energy projects under section 1862, subsection 13 and offshore wind energy demonstration projects and tidal energy demonstration projects for which a general permit has been issued under Title 38, section 480-HH or Title 38, section 636-A , respectively; and [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).] B. The State's share, pursuant to 43 United States Code, Section 1337(p)(2)(B), of federal revenues from alternative energy leasing. [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).]

4. Disbursement of funds; required uses. The Treasurer of State shall annually disburse the funds in the trust for credit to the Ocean Energy Fund established within the Department of Marine Resources, in consultation with the Marine Resources Advisory Council established under section 6024 , for use as follows: A. Fifty percent to fund research, monitoring and other efforts to avoid, minimize and compensate for potential adverse effects of renewable ocean energy projects, as defined in section 1862, subsection 1, paragraph F-1 , on noncommercial fisheries, seabirds, marine mammals, shorebirds, migratory birds and other coastal and marine natural resources, including but not limited to development, enhancement and maintenance of map-based information resources developed to guide public and private decision making on siting issues and field research to provide baseline or other data to address siting issues presented by renewable ocean energy projects. The department shall consult with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in allocating funds it receives pursuant to this paragraph; and [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §12 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §34 (AFF).] B. Fifty percent to fund resource enhancement, research on fish behavior and species abundance and distribution and other issues and other efforts to avoid, minimize and compensate for potential adverse effects of renewable ocean energy projects, as defined in section 1862, subsection 1, paragraph F-1 , on commercial fishing and related activities. [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §12 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §34 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 101 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 101
12 §101. Nominations, elections and appointments of supervisors
Status: in_force

1. Elections of supervisors. The governing body of each district consists of a board of 5 supervisors. Three of the supervisors must be elected. Petitions may be filed to nominate candidates for election as supervisors of each district. When the district is first created, nominating petitions must be filed with, and the election must be conducted by, the department. After the creation of the district, nominating petitions must be filed with, and the election must be conducted by, each district. Nominating petitions must be subscribed by 25 or more registered voters residing within the district, as certified and sworn by the person submitting the petition and subject to such verification as the department or district may require. Registered voters may sign petitions to nominate more than one candidate for supervisor. The department or district shall give notice of the time for making nominations and the time and manner in which the election will occur. Registered voters residing within the district are eligible to vote in an election. When a district is first created, the 3 nominated candidates who receive the largest number of votes in the election are the elected supervisors of the district. Terms of elected supervisors are staggered, with the candidate receiving the largest number of votes initially elected to a 3-year term, the candidate receiving the 2nd largest number of votes initially elected to a 2-year term and the candidate receiving the 3rd largest number of votes initially elected to a one-year term. Thereafter, the term of office of each elected supervisor is 3 years. Following an election, the results must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the district, and the names of those elected must be certified by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt rules or prescribe procedures governing elections, which may include elections by mail or other procedures the commissioner finds to be fair and efficient. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 138, §1 (NEW).]

2. Appointments of supervisors. In each district, 2 supervisors must be appointed by the commissioner, taking into consideration the various interests of the district in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, recreation and community and regional development. The appointees must be qualified by training and experience to perform their duties. The terms of the appointed supervisors must be staggered, with the first appointed supervisor initially appointed to a one-year term and the 2nd appointed supervisor initially appointed to a 2-year term. Thereafter, the term of office of each appointed supervisor is 3 years. [PL 1999, c. 138, §1 (NEW).]

3. Tenure. A supervisor shall continue to hold office until the supervisor's successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 1999, c. 138, §1 (NEW).]

4. Vacancies. A vacancy for the unexpired term of an appointed supervisor must be filled through appointment by the commissioner as described in this section. A vacancy for the unexpired term of an elected supervisor may be temporarily filled by the commissioner through appointment of an associate supervisor designated with voting authority in accordance with section 103 . This appointment is effective only until the district holds an election as necessitated by the expiration of the term of any elected supervisor. [PL 1999, c. 138, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12762 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12762
12 §12762. Fish kills; violations; fines; rules; definition
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not improperly operate a fishway required under this subchapter in a manner that results in a fish kill. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §306 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine equivalent to the value of the fish killed but not more than $10,000 for each day of that violation may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §306 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this section after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §306 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §306 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Rules; definition. The department and the Department of Marine Resources shall jointly make rules defining "fish kill." [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §306 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6035 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6035
12 §6035. Commercial fishing safety plan
Status: in_force

No later than October 1st of each year, the Commercial Fishing Safety Council shall submit a commercial fishing safety plan to the commissioner that includes, but is not limited to, the council's fishing safety initiatives, any revisions to those initiatives and any new initiatives for the department to consider. [PL 2005, c. 505, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12302-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 919 / Section 12302-A
12 §12302-A. Timely registration of bear, deer, moose or wild turkey
Status: in_force

1. Requirement. Except as provided in section 12307 or rules adopted under section 12301‑B , a person who kills a bear, deer, moose or wild turkey shall: A. Remain with that animal until it is registered, except as provided in section 12303‑A ; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §228 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Present that animal for registration in that person's name at the first open registration station for that animal on the route taken by that person; and [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §228 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Leave the registration seal attached to the animal in accordance with section 12301‑A until that animal is processed and packaged for consumption. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §228 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 704, §2 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §228 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10452 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10452
12 §10452. Refusal to sign
Status: in_force

A person may not refuse to sign a citation or Uniform Summons and Complaint after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §56 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6551 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6551
12 §6551. Tuna; method of taking
Status: in_force

A person may not: [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §12 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

1. Fish for or take tuna; permitted methods. Fish for or take any tuna by any method other than by harpoons or by hook and line; or [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §12 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2. Possess. Possess any tuna that was taken in an unlawful manner. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §12 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1820 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1820
12 §1820. Fee sharing
Status: in_force

Seven percent of all day use and camping fees derived from any lands classified by the director as parks or historic sites under jurisdiction of the bureau must be apportioned and paid to the municipalities having those lands within their boundaries. In determining the payment to each municipality, the bureau shall assign one unit per front foot for each foot of lake, pond, ocean or major river frontage and 5 units for each acre of all such lands within the municipality. Frontage and acreage must be determined as of April 1st for the year in which revenue is being apportioned and computed to the nearest whole unit. [PL 2005, c. 457, Pt. F, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 9403 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9403
12 §9403. Expense of fire patrol paid by railroad
Status: in_force

The director shall keep, or cause to be kept, an account of the cost of maintenance by the State of such fire patrol along the line of such railroad, including therein the wages and expenses of the employees engaged in maintaining such fire patrol, and the total cost thereof shall be paid to the director by the railroad company along whose land or right-of-way such patrol is maintained. All such funds received by the director shall be credited to the General Fund. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10257 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10257
12 §10257. Lake and River Protection Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Lake and River Protection Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established within the department as a nonlapsing fund. The fund must be administered by the commissioner. The fund is funded from a portion of the fees collected for lake and river protection stickers issued under section 13058, subsection 3 and from other funds accepted for those purposes by the commissioner or allocated or appropriated by the Legislature. Money in the fund may be used for enforcing laws pertaining to invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species, inspecting watercraft for invasive aquatic plant and nuisance species materials, educational and informational efforts targeted at invasive aquatic plant and nuisance species prevention, eradication and management activities and the production and distribution of lake and river protection stickers required under section 13058, subsection 3 . For purposes of this section, "nuisance species" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 1861, subsection 2 . [PL 2013, c. 580, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 4812-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 7 / Chapter 424 / Section 4812-A
12 §4812-A. Requirements (REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 439)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 439)
12 M.R.S. § 10351 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 905 / Section 10351
12 §10351. Appointment of wardens
Status: in_force

1. Qualifications. The commissioner shall appoint as game wardens persons who have qualified under the written code prepared by the commissioner and approved by the State Human Resources Officer within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2023, c. 412, §3 (REV).]

2. Deputy game wardens. The commissioner may appoint, on a temporary basis, deputy game wardens. [PL 2009, c. 550, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6463 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6463
12 §6463. Council programs and activities
Status: in_force

1. Advise. The council shall advise the commissioner on activities of the department that relate to the lobster industry. The council may investigate problems affecting the lobster industry and make recommendations to the commissioner and the Marine Resources Advisory Council concerning its investigations. [PL 1979, c. 355, §1 (NEW).]

2. Research plans. The council may review current lobster research programs and plans for research on the lobster stock, and submit to the commissioner and Marine Resources Advisory Council, annually, its recommendations on those programs and plans. [PL 1979, c. 355, §1 (NEW).]

3. Dispute resolution. The council may consider disputed issues brought to the council by any lobster management policy council established under section 6447 . The council may make recommendations to the commissioner with regard to resolving such issues. [PL 1997, c. 208, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6025 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6025
12 §6025. Marine patrol officers
Status: in_force

1. Appointment. Applicants for the position of a marine patrol officer who qualify under the officer's code and pass the examination administered by the Bureau of Human Resources may be appointed by the commissioner to hold office under Title 5, chapters 51 to 67 and under the officer's code. [PL 1985, c. 785, Pt. B, §67 (AMD).]

2. Fees and other offices. Except before the District Court, officers are allowed the same fees as sheriffs and their deputies for like service which must be paid to the commissioner for use of the State. Officers may not hold any other state, county or municipal office for which they receive compensation, except elected positions in municipal or county government. [PL 2001, c. 340, §1 (AMD).]

3. Powers and duties. Officers shall enforce all marine resources' laws and may arrest and prosecute all violators. They may serve all process pertaining to marine resources' laws. They have jurisdiction and authority in all areas where the laws for which they have responsibility apply. In addition to their specified powers and duties, the marine patrol officers are vested with the authority to enforce all laws of the State and may arrest for violations of any criminal laws. Any officer may require suitable aid in the execution of the duties of office. Marine patrol officers may receive complete law enforcement training within one year from the date of employment and in-service training privileges at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §27 (COR).]

4. Search powers. Any marine patrol officer, in uniform, may search without a warrant and examine any watercraft, aircraft, conveyance, vehicle, box, bag, locker, trap, crate or other receptacle or container for any marine organism when the marine patrol officer has probable cause to believe that any marine organism taken, possessed or transported contrary to law is concealed thereon or therein. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §28 (COR).]

5. Sheriff and police powers as marine patrol officers. A sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, constable or inland fisheries and wildlife warden, within that person's respective jurisdiction, is vested with the powers of a marine patrol officer, except the powers provided in sections 6306 and 6434. When that person acts under this section, the same fees must be paid for services rendered by that person to the usual recipient of that person's fees. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §29 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6402-D — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6402-D
12 §6402-D. Suspension or revocation based on conviction of fishing over trap limit
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 6401, subsection 2 , the commissioner shall suspend the lobster and crab fishing license or nonresident lobster and crab landing permit of a person convicted of a violation of section 6431-F, subsection 4 for not less than 3 years and not more than 10 years from the date of a first conviction. For a 2nd conviction, the commissioner shall permanently revoke the person's license or permit. [PL 2017, c. 197, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11107 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11107
12 §11107. Eligibility for hunting with muzzle-loader
Status: in_force

This section governs eligibility for hunting with a muzzle-loader. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Hunting license. A person 16 years of age or older at the beginning of the special season established under section 11404, subsection 1‑A may obtain a muzzle-loading permit from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent if the person possesses a valid license to hunt with firearms. [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. E, §2 (AMD).]

2. Junior license. [PL 2017, c. 164, §7 (RP).]

3. Apprenticeship hunter license. A holder of an apprenticeship hunter license may obtain a muzzle-loading permit from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent. [PL 2007, c. 203, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6542 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6542
12 §6542. Size of herring
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to take, buy, sell, process, ship, transport or possess herring which are less than 4 1/2 inches in length, except: [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

1. Bait. [PL 1983, c. 387, §1 (RP).]

2. Tolerance of 25%. Any person may take, buy, sell, process, ship, transport or possess herring that are less than 4 1/2 inches, if they comprise less than 25% by volume of an entire lot. The 25% tolerance by volume shall be determined by examination of 1/2 bushel chosen at random from each 30 hogsheads of herring or fraction thereof. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1881 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1881
12 §1881. Use of roads
Status: in_force

1. New roads. The bureau has sole control of access to the waterway from any public road. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Existing roads. Existing private roads within the waterway remain privately owned as existing. The bureau may direct the discontinuance and relocation of any portion of such a road that is within the restricted zone at the expense of the bureau. When the bureau directs the discontinuance of a road and the landowner does not request the relocation of the road at the time of the bureau's directive, the bureau is not obligated to relocate that road. [PL 2001, c. 312, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 12651 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12651
12 §12651. Snagging
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. Except as provided in section 12506, subsection 7 , a person may not fish by snagging as defined by section 10001, subsection 58 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §274 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1899 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1899
12 §1899. Grants-in-aid
Status: in_force

The director may make grants-in-aid to political subdivisions and others for the acquisition, construction and maintenance of public boating facilities and supporting facilities on terms the director determines necessary. When such a grant-in-aid is made to others, within the boundaries of an organized town, it must be with the concurrence of the municipal officers of that town. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]