12 M.R.S. § 6856 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 625 / Section 6856
12 §6856. Shellfish sanitation; depuration certificate and permits
Status: in_force

1. Shellfish sanitation certificate. A person may not undertake the processing, buying, selling, shipping, transporting or shucking of shellfish or whole scallops without a shellfish sanitation certificate issued by the department or a valid, current certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority recognized by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and posted on the administration's interstate certified shellfish shippers list, unless authorized under section 6701 or 6702 . A person may engage in activities only to the extent authorized by the certificate held by the person. The commissioner may issue a shellfish sanitation certificate to a wholesale seafood license holder or a shellfish transportation license holder that authorizes the holder to undertake the activities expressly authorized therein, which may include buying and selling, shipping, transporting, shucking or other processing of shellfish or whole scallops. A wholesale seafood license or shellfish transportation license is also necessary to undertake the activities authorized under those licenses. A shellfish sanitation certificate does not authorize a person to undertake any of the activities for which a permit is required pursuant to subsection 2‑A . Beginning June 1, 2018, the fee for a shellfish sanitation certificate is $50. [PL 2019, c. 334, §3 (AMD).]

2. Express authorizations. The commissioner shall expressly state the authorized activities on each shellfish sanitation certificate. The activities authorized must be sufficient to allow the holder to carry out the holder's wholesale or transportation operations, except that the operations may be limited to the extent required to protect the public health. [PL 2003, c. 248, §11 (AMD).]

2-A. Additional permits. A person may not engage in an activity for which a permit is required pursuant to this subsection unless the person holds a shellfish sanitation certificate and the applicable permit as provided in this subsection. A. A person may not store shellfish in containers or tanks containing recirculating water without a recirculating wet storage permit. Beginning August 1, 2018, the fee for a recirculating wet storage permit is $200, except that the fee for a recirculating wet storage permit is $100 if the holder of the permit accepts as a permit condition the duty to provide and provides the department weekly test results showing the recirculating wet storage facility's compliance with the most recently adopted federal sanitation standards. [PL 2017, c. 224, §2 (NEW).] B. A person may not store shellfish in containers or tanks where nonrecirculating water flows through the containers or tanks or in or on floats in a natural body of water without a flow-through wet storage permit. Beginning August 1, 2018, the fee for a flow-through wet storage permit is $100. [PL 2017, c. 224, §2 (NEW).] C. A person may not handle, ship, transport or process shellfish in bulk, as defined by the department by rule, without: (1) Attaching a tag to the shellfish in accordance with rules adopted by the department; and (2) A bulk tagging permit. Beginning June 1, 2018, the fee for a bulk tagging permit is $50. [PL 2017, c. 224, §2 (NEW).] D. A person may not use a vehicle to transport shellstock purchased at a location other than the establishment or vehicle authorized under the license without a shellfish buying station permit. Beginning June 1, 2018, the fee for a shellfish buying station permit is $100. [PL 2019, c. 334, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 334, §4 (AMD).]

3. Depuration certificate. A person may not take shellfish from closed areas for depuration, processing and transportation without a depuration certificate. The commissioner may issue a depuration certificate to a wholesale seafood license holder that authorizes the holder to take shellfish from closed areas for depuration, processing and transportation. The certificate must establish limits on harvesting, depurating and processing methods and any other provisions required to ensure the public safety. The commissioner may permit depuration of shellfish not contaminated by paralytic shellfish poisoning if it is established that the water used during depuration will not contaminate the shellfish with paralytic shellfish poisoning. Beginning May 1, 2018, the fee for a depuration certificate is $200. [PL 2017, c. 224, §2 (AMD).]

3-A. Municipal consultation and approval; depuration harvesting. [PL 2011, c. 175, §2 (RP).]

3-B. Municipal pollution abatement plan. [PL 2011, c. 175, §3 (RP).]

3-C. Municipal depuration management plan. [PL 2011, c. 175, §4 (RP).]

3-D. Soft-shelled clam depuration harvesting in municipalities with municipal shellfish conservation programs. Soft-shelled clam depuration activities conducted within a municipality that has a municipal shellfish conservation program pursuant to section 6671 are subject to the following provisions. A. Using the following general guidelines to identify whether pollution abatement activities are likely to succeed in a shellfish growing area, the commissioner may close a shellfish growing area pursuant to section 6172 for municipal pollution abatement activities. (1) Pollution abatement activities are likely to succeed in shellfish growing areas affected by identified failing residential septic systems and other identified localized sources of human or animal fecal contamination when funding for abatement is available. (2) Pollution abatement activities are not likely to succeed in shellfish growing areas affected by wastewater treatment plant outfall or other point sources of treated or partially treated sewage unless complete removal of pollution sources has been achieved. (3) Abatement activities are not likely to succeed in shellfish growing areas affected by chronic nonpoint source contamination from rivers or streams. At the request of the municipality, the commissioner may allow soft-shelled clam depuration harvesting in a shellfish growing area closed under this paragraph. [PL 2015, c. 68, §11 (AMD).] B. In conducting depuration harvesting activities under this subsection, a person holding a depuration certificate shall engage commercial harvesters holding valid municipal and state commercial shellfish licenses. If there are insufficient municipally licensed commercial harvesters, the depuration certificate holder may supplement with other commercial shellfish harvesters licensed in the State. [PL 2011, c. 175, §5 (NEW).] C. A depuration certificate holder shall maintain a generalized depuration management plan on file with the commissioner that sets forth methods for identifying harvest limits, operational procedures for harvest management and responsibilities of authorized representatives. [PL 2011, c. 175, §5 (NEW).] D. A depuration certificate holder shall pay each municipality an amount equal to one dollar for each bushel of soft-shelled clams taken in that municipality under the depuration certificate. When submitting payment to a municipality under this paragraph, the depuration certificate holder shall include a summary of reports submitted to the department pursuant to rules adopted under subsection 4 . [PL 2021, c. 59, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 59, §1 (AMD).]

4. Rules. The commissioner may adopt or amend rules concerning: A. The procedures for issuing certificates and the required qualifications for each type of certificate; [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] B. The minimum sanitation standards for establishments and vehicles; [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] C. The sanitation and quality control standards for shellfish and whole scallops and their products; [PL 2001, c. 112, §3 (AMD).] D. The methods for taking, handling, shipping, transporting and processing of shellfish and whole scallops taken from closed areas; [PL 2001, c. 112, §3 (AMD).] E. The records and reports of takings, purchases, processing, sales, shipping and transporting of shellfish and whole scallops; [PL 2001, c. 112, §3 (AMD).] F. The labeling or marking of shipments of shellfish and whole scallops; and [PL 2001, c. 112, §3 (AMD).] G. Other rules necessary to the public health. [PL 2003, c. 248, §11 (AMD).] The rules must be based on the particular operational requirements of each activity, the most recently adopted federal sanitation standards and the most recent generally accepted research data, in a manner so as to protect the public health and safety while allowing reasonable use of the State's shellfish and whole scallops. [PL 2003, c. 248, §11 (AMD).]

5. Right of entry. Whenever a certificate has been issued under this section, the commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, must have access to any establishment or part thereof for the purpose of inspection or collection of samples. Denial of access is grounds for suspension or revocation of any certificate or license under the provisions of section 6372 . [PL 2011, c. 311, §6 (AMD).]

6. Products embargoed and condemned. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, shall indefinitely embargo, condemn or order to be destroyed any shellfish, shellfish product or whole scallop in any establishment whenever it is determined that the product is of unsound quality, contains any filthy, decomposed or putrid substance, or may be poisonous or deleterious to health or otherwise unsafe. The commissioner and the commissioner's agent shall cooperate with those state and federal agencies having similar responsibility in the protection of public health and in enforcing the order to embargo, condemn or destroy. In the event that any shellfish, shellfish product or whole scallop in any establishment is embargoed, condemned or ordered destroyed, the commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, shall, as soon thereafter as practical, notify the owner in writing of the amount and kind of shellfish, shellfish product or whole scallop embargoed, condemned or destroyed. [PL 2003, c. 248, §11 (AMD).]

7. Resident depuration harvesters. [PL 2011, c. 175, §6 (RP).]

8. Payments to municipalities. [PL 2011, c. 175, §7 (RP).]

9. Disposition of fees. The commissioner shall deposit fees collected under this section in the Shellfish Fund under section 6651 . [PL 2017, c. 224, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11108-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11108-B
12 §11108-B. Apprentice hunter license restrictions
Status: in_force

1. Apprentice supervisor required. A holder of an apprentice hunter license may not hunt other than in the presence of an apprentice supervisor. A. 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 $500 and not more than $1,000 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 2007, c. 203, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §2 (AMD).]

1-A. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. [PL 2019, c. 324, §1 (RP).] A-1. "Apprentice supervisor" means a person who is 18 years of age or older and holds a valid adult hunting license under this subchapter. [PL 2019, c. 639, §3 (NEW).] B. "In the presence of" means in visual and voice contact without the use of visual or audio enhancement devices, including but not limited to binoculars and citizen band radios. [PL 2013, c. 538, §19 (NEW).] C. [PL 2019, c. 639, §4 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §§3, 4 (AMD).]

2. Apprentice supervisor responsibility. An apprentice supervisor must have held a valid hunting license for the prior 3 consecutive years to be qualified to supervise a holder of an apprentice hunter license. An apprentice supervisor shall ensure that the holder of an apprentice hunter license follows safe and ethical hunting protocol and adheres to the laws under this Part. An apprentice supervisor may not intentionally permit a person hunting under an apprentice hunter license with that apprentice supervisor to violate subsection 1 . A. 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 $500 must 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 2007, c. 203, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §5 (AMD).]

3. Eligibility. A resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older who has never held a valid adult hunting license in this State, or any other state, province or country, is eligible to obtain an apprentice hunter license. Notwithstanding section 11105 , a person is eligible to obtain an apprentice hunter license without having successfully completed a hunter safety course. A person may not obtain an apprentice hunter license more than 5 times. A person selected to receive a moose permit may not then purchase an apprentice hunter license to meet the licensing requirements for that permit. [PL 2015, c. 136, §7 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 136, §12 (AFF).]

4. Expiration of apprentice hunter license. An apprentice hunter license is valid for up to 12 calendar months and expires on December 31st. [PL 2013, c. 538, §19 (AMD).]

5. Definition. [PL 2013, c. 538, §19 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6302-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6302-A
12 §6302-A. Taking of marine organisms by federally recognized Indian tribes
Status: in_force

1. Tribal exemption; commercial harvesting licenses. A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who is a resident of the State is not required to hold a state license or permit issued under section 6421 , 6501 , 6502‑A , 6502‑C , 6505‑A , 6505‑C , 6506 , 6535 , 6601 , 6602 , 6701 , 6702 , 6703 , 6731 , 6745 , 6746 , 6748 , 6748‑A , 6748‑D , 6751 , 6803 , 6804 or 6808 to conduct activities authorized under the state license or permit if that member holds a valid license issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band to conduct the activities authorized under the state license or permit. A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians issued a tribal license pursuant to this subsection to conduct activities is subject to all laws and rules applicable to a person who holds a state license or permit to conduct those activities and to all the provisions of chapter 625 , except that the member of the tribe, nation or band: A. May utilize lobster traps tagged with trap tags issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band in a manner consistent with trap tags issued pursuant to section 6431‑B . A member of the tribe, nation or band is not required to pay trap tag fees under section 6431‑B if the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band issues that member trap tags; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] B. May utilize elver fishing gear tagged with elver gear tags issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band in a manner consistent with tags issued pursuant to section 6505‑B . A member of the tribe, nation or band is not required to pay elver fishing gear fees under section 6505‑B if the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band issues that member elver fishing gear tags; [PL 2023, c. 207, §7 (AMD).] C. Is not required to hold a state shellfish license issued under section 6601 to obtain a municipal shellfish license pursuant to section 6671 ; and [PL 2023, c. 207, §8 (AMD).] D. Is not required to complete an apprentice program established under section 6422 if the tribe, nation or band provides documentation to the commissioner to show that the license applicant has completed an apprentice program that is satisfactory to the tribe, nation or band. [PL 2023, c. 207, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 207, §§7-9 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

2. Tribal exemption; sustenance or ceremonial tribal use. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who is a resident of the State may at any time take, possess, transport and distribute: A. Any marine organism, except lobster, for sustenance use if the tribal member holds a valid sustenance fishing license issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band. A sustenance fishing license holder who fishes for sea urchins may not harvest sea urchins out of season; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] B. Lobsters for sustenance use, if the tribal member holds a valid sustenance lobster license issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band. The sustenance lobster license holder's traps must be tagged with sustenance use trap tags issued by the tribe, nation or band or the agent of the band in a manner consistent with trap tags issued pursuant to section 6431‑B ; however, a sustenance lobster license holder may not harvest lobsters for sustenance use with more than 25 traps; and [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] C. Any marine organism for noncommercial use in a tribal ceremony within the State, if the member holds a valid ceremonial tribal permit issued to the tribal member by the Joint Tribal Council of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the governor and council at either Passamaquoddy reservation, by the Penobscot Reservation Tribal Council, by the Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council or its agent or by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Tribal Council or its agent. [PL 2013, c. 254, §2 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] For purposes of this subsection, "sustenance use" means all noncommercial consumption or noncommercial use by any person within Passamaquoddy Indian territory, as defined in Title 30, section 6205, subsection 1, Penobscot Indian territory, as defined in Title 30, section 6205, subsection 2, Mi'kmaq Nation Trust Land, as defined in Title 30, section 7203, subsection 6, or Houlton Band Trust Land, as defined in Title 30, section 6203, subsection 2‑A, or at any location within the State by a tribal member, by a tribal member's immediate family or within a tribal member's household. The term "sustenance use" does not include the sale of marine organisms. A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who takes a marine organism under a license or permit issued pursuant to this subsection must comply with all laws and rules applicable to a person who holds a state license or permit that authorizes the taking of that organism, except that a state law or rule that sets a season for the harvesting of a marine organism does not apply to a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who takes a marine organism for sustenance use or for noncommercial use in a tribal ceremony. A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians issued a license or permit under this subsection is exempt from paying elver gear fees under section 6505‑B or trap tag fees under section 6431‑B and is not required to hold a state shellfish license issued under section 6601 to obtain a municipal shellfish license pursuant to section 6671 . A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who fishes for or takes lobster under a license or permit issued pursuant to this subsection must comply with the closed periods under section 6440 . [PL 2023, c. 646, Pt. A, §13 (AMD).]

3. Lobster, sea urchin, scallop and elver licenses; limitations. Pursuant to subsection 1 : A. The Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation may each issue to members of its tribe or nation, as the case may be, up to 24 commercial lobster and crab fishing licenses in any calendar year, including all licenses equivalent to Class I, Class II or Class III licenses and student licenses, but not including apprentice licenses. Licenses issued under this paragraph are subject to the eligibility requirements of section 6421, subsection 5 ; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] A-1. The Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent may issue to members of the band up to 10 commercial lobster and crab fishing licenses in any calendar year, including all licenses equivalent to Class I, Class II or Class III licenses and student licenses, but not including apprentice licenses. Licenses issued under this paragraph are subject to the eligibility requirements of section 6421, subsection 5 ; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] A-2. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent may issue to members of the band up to 10 commercial lobster and crab fishing licenses in any calendar year, including all licenses equivalent to Class I, Class II or Class III licenses and student licenses, but not including apprentice licenses. Licenses issued under this paragraph are subject to the eligibility requirements of section 6421, subsection 5 ; [PL 2013, c. 254, §3 (NEW).] B. The Passamaquoddy Tribe may not issue to members of the tribe more than 24 commercial licenses for the taking of sea urchins in any calendar year. Sea urchin licenses must be issued by zone in accordance with section 6749‑P ; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] C. The commissioner shall adopt rules authorizing the Penobscot Nation to issue to members of the nation commercial sea urchin licenses if the commissioner determines that sea urchin resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses. The commissioner may not authorize the Penobscot Nation to issue more than 24 commercial sea urchin licenses to members of the nation in any calendar year; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] C-1. The commissioner shall adopt rules authorizing the Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent to issue to members of the nation commercial sea urchin licenses if the commissioner determines that sea urchin resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses. The commissioner may not authorize the Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent to issue more than 24 commercial sea urchin licenses to members of the nation in any calendar year; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] C-2. The commissioner shall adopt rules authorizing the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent to issue to members of the band commercial sea urchin licenses if the commissioner determines that sea urchin resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses. The commissioner may not authorize the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent to issue more than 24 commercial sea urchin licenses to members of the band in any calendar year; [PL 2013, c. 254, §3 (NEW).] D. The Penobscot Nation may not issue to members of the nation more than 20 commercial licenses for the taking of scallops in any calendar year, except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Penobscot Nation to issue additional commercial licenses to members of the nation for the taking of scallops if the commissioner determines that scallop resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (AMD).] D-1. The Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent may not issue to members of the nation more than 10 commercial licenses for the taking of scallops in any calendar year, except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent to issue additional commercial licenses to members of the nation for the taking of scallops if the commissioner determines that scallop resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; [PL 2011, c. 598, §17 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] D-2. The Passamaquoddy Tribe may not issue to members of the tribe more than 20 commercial licenses for the taking of scallops in any calendar year, except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to issue additional commercial licenses to members of the tribe for the taking of scallops if the commissioner determines that scallop resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (NEW).] D-3. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent may not issue to members of the band more than 10 commercial licenses for the taking of scallops in any calendar year, except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent to issue additional commercial licenses to members of the band for the taking of scallops if the commissioner determines that scallop resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; [PL 2013, c. 254, §3 (NEW).] E. The Penobscot Nation may not issue to members of the nation commercial licenses for the taking of elvers in any calendar year that exceed the following limits: (1) Eight licenses that allow the taking of elvers with 2 pieces of gear; and (2) Forty licenses that allow the taking of elvers with one piece of gear. The commissioner shall by rule allow the Penobscot Nation to issue additional commercial licenses to members of the nation for the taking of elvers if the commissioner and the Penobscot Nation determine that elver resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; [PL 2015, c. 391, §3 (AMD).] E-1. The Passamaquoddy Tribe may issue to members of the tribe commercial licenses for the taking of elvers with one piece of gear; [PL 2015, c. 391, §4 (AMD).] F. The Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent may not issue to members of the nation more than 8 commercial licenses for the taking of elvers in any calendar year, except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent to issue additional commercial licenses for the taking of elvers to members of the nation if the commissioner determines that elver resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses; and [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] G. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent may not issue to members of the band more than 16 commercial licenses for the taking of elvers in any calendar year except that the commissioner shall by rule allow the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent to issue additional commercial licenses for the taking of elvers to members of the band if the commissioner determines that elver resources are sufficient to permit the issuance of new licenses. [PL 2015, c. 391, §5 (RPR).] The Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Department of Marine Resources shall report on the status of the sea urchin, scallop and elver fisheries to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters by January 15th of each even-numbered year. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 391, §§3-5 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

4. Sea urchin and scallop handfishing and tender licenses; limitations. The Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation or its agent or Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or its agent may not issue a license or permit pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 : A. For the harvesting of sea urchins or scallops by hand unless the license or permit applicant meets the diver competency requirements of section 6531 ; and [PL 1997, c. 708, §1 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 708, §3 (AFF).] B. For the tending of a person who fishes for or takes scallops or sea urchins by diving unless the applicant meets the safety training requirements of section 6533 . [PL 1997, c. 708, §1 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 708, §3 (AFF).] [PL 2013, c. 254, §4 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

5. Notification. Subsections 1 and 2 do not apply to a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation unless a copy of that member's tribal license or permit is filed with the commissioner by the tribal licensing agency or its agent or a tribal official in accordance with section 6027 . [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

6. License suspension. If a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation issued a license or permit under this section is convicted or adjudicated of a violation for which a license suspension is mandatory under chapter 617 , the commissioner shall suspend that member's license or permit for the specified period. If a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation issued a license or permit under this section is convicted or adjudicated of a violation for which the commissioner may suspend a license, the commissioner may suspend that member's license or permit in accordance with chapter 617 . [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

7. Enforcement. A violation of a marine resources law or rule by a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation who is issued a license or permit pursuant to this section must be enforced pursuant to chapter 609 . A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation who is issued a license or permit pursuant to this section must possess and exhibit that license or permit in accordance with section 6305 and must comply with the provisions of section 6306 regarding inspections and searches by marine patrol officers for violations related to licensed or permitted activities. [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

8. Resident of the State defined. For the purposes of this section, "resident of the State" means a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or Mi'kmaq Nation who is eligible to obtain a state resident license under section 6301, subsection 1 . [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

9. Political subdivision. Nothing in this section may be construed to indicate that the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Mi'kmaq Nation is a political subdivision of the State. [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).]

10. Agent. For purposes of this section, an agent of the Mi'kmaq Nation is any entity authorized by the Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council to act on its behalf under this section and an agent of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is any entity authorized by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Tribal Council to act on its behalf under this section. The Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council shall certify to the department any agent it has designated to act on its behalf under this section. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Tribal Council shall certify to the department any agent it has designated to act on its behalf under this section. [PL 2023, c. 646, Pt. A, §14 (AMD).]

11. Renewal of licenses. If a holder of a license issued under this section fails to provide information required under section 6173 , the license may not be renewed until the holder complies with the requirements of that section. [PL 2013, c. 8, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6441 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6441
12 §6441. Plugged lobsters
Status: in_force

The commissioner, in accordance with section 6191 , may adopt rules prohibiting the possession of plugged lobsters, as long as the commissioner has determined that these rules will not adversely affect lobster importation. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §55 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12853 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 927 / Section 12853
12 §12853. License, fees and requirements; youth camp trip leader and educational trip leader exceptions
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection 7 , a person may not act as a guide without a valid license issued under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §316 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of 3 days, none of which may be suspended. The court shall also impose a fine of $1,000, none of which may be suspended. A person violates subsection 1 each day that person acts as a guide without a valid license issued under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §316 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. New applications. A person seeking to be licensed as a guide shall submit an application to the commissioner. A. The commissioner shall provide application forms that request all relevant information the commissioner considers necessary. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Failure or refusal to satisfactorily answer any question in the application is a basis for the commissioner not to accept the application. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The commissioner shall decide whether the application is acceptable within 5 working days of receipt. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. The commissioner shall notify each applicant at least 2 weeks prior to the examination required under section 12855 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 162, §7 (AMD).]

4. Qualifications. In order to qualify for a guide license, a person must: A. Be at least 18 years of age; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Pass the guide examination in accordance with section 12855 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. If a first-time applicant, be currently certified in first aid through completion of any standard first aid course that meets the criteria established by rule of the commissioner; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. If not a first-time applicant, submit satisfactory evidence, as determined by the commissioner, of having held a guide license in this State; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Meet all requirements established by rules of the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] For purposes of this subsection, "first-time applicant" means an applicant who has not previously been issued a guide license in this State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4-A. Background check. The commissioner shall request a background check for each person who applies for a guide license under this section. The background check must include criminal history record information obtained from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System established in Title 16, section 631 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A. The criminal history record information must be obtained and used as follows. (1) The criminal history record information obtained from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System must include a record of public criminal history record information as defined in Title 16, section 703, subsection 8 . (2) The criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation must include other state and national criminal history record information. (3) An applicant who is the subject of a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record check may obtain a copy of the criminal history record check by following the procedures outlined in 28 Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 16.32 and 16.33. An applicant who is the subject of a state criminal history record check may inspect and review the criminal history record information pursuant to Title 16, section 709 . (4) State and federal criminal history record information may be used by the department for the purpose of screening each applicant. [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).] B. The Commissioner of Public Safety shall assess a fee set annually by the commissioner for each initial criminal history record check and a fee set annually by the commissioner for each renewal criminal history record check required by this section. [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).] C. An applicant shall submit to having fingerprints taken. The State Police, upon payment of the fee required under paragraph B by the applicant, shall take or cause to be taken the applicant's fingerprints and shall forward the fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification so that the bureau can conduct state and national criminal history record checks. Except for the portion of the payment, if any, that constitutes the processing fee charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, all money received by the State Police for purposes of this paragraph must be paid over to the Treasurer of State. The money must be applied to the expenses of administration incurred by the Department of Public Safety. [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).] D. Information obtained pursuant to this subsection is confidential. The results of background checks received by the department are for official use only and may not be disclosed to any other person or entity. [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).] E. A person whose guide license has expired and who has not applied for renewal may request in writing that the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification remove the person's fingerprints from the bureau's fingerprint file. In response to a written request, the bureau shall remove the person's fingerprints from the fingerprint file and provide written confirmation of that removal to the requester. The Commissioner of Public Safety may, without notice to a person, remove fingerprints from the fingerprint file maintained by the bureau if the person has not held a guide license for 7 years or more. [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 204, §2 (NEW).]

5. Fee. The fee for a guide license is $135. [PL 2017, c. 441, §1 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 441, §3 (AFF).]

6. Term of license. A guide license issued under this section expires on December 31st of the 4th complete year after the date of issuance. [PL 2017, c. 441, §2 (RPR); PL 2017, c. 441, §3 (AFF).]

7. Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to the requirement for a guide license. A. A person holding a youth camp trip leader permit under section 12860 may, without a guide license, conduct trips including adults under the auspices of the youth camp that employs those adults, subject to all the requirements of section 12860 . [PL 2021, c. 162, §8 (NEW).] B. A person holding an educational trip leader permit under section 12863 may, without a guide license, conduct outdoor educational trips in accordance with section 12863 . [PL 2021, c. 162, §8 (NEW).] C. [PL 2021, c. 162, §8 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §12853, sub-§7, ¶C (RP).] D. [PL 2023, c. 226, §1 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §12853, sub-§7, ¶D (RP).] For purposes of this subsection, "educational institution" and "outdoor educational trip" have the same meanings as in section 12863, subsection 1 . [PL 2023, c. 226, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6051 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6051
12 §6051. General department activities
Status: in_force

The department, under the direction of the commissioner, may conduct or sponsor programs for research and development of commercial, marine recreational and anadromous fishery resources and other marine resources of the State which may include biological, chemical, technological, hydrological, processing, depuration, marketing, financial, economic and promotional research and development. The department may carry out these programs within the department, in cooperation with other state agencies, and federal, regional and local governmental entities, or with private institutions or persons. [PL 1987, c. 599, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 8003 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 801 / Section 8003
12 §8003. Director of the Bureau of Forestry
Status: reserved

1. Director. The executive head of the bureau shall be the director, who shall be qualified by training, experience and skill in forestry. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Conflict of interest. The director shall not, when appointed nor while in office, be directly or indirectly concerned in the purchase of state-owned lands, or the timber or grass growing or cut on these lands, except in an official capacity. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

3. Powers and duties. The director shall exercise the powers of the office and be responsible for the execution and enforcement of the duties of the bureau as set forth in chapters 801 -- 809 . A. The director shall administer the bureau in an efficient manner and, with the consent of the commissioner, shall organize the bureau as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Part. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] B. [PL 1987, c. 308, §9 (RP).] C. The director may, with the consent of the commissioner, accept grants and funds from and enter into contracts with federal, state, local or other public and private organizations to carry out the purposes of this Part. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] D. The director may, with the consent of the commissioner, employ or retain expert and professional consultants to assist in the duties of the bureau to the extent of funds available. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] E. The director may take measures to encourage an interest in forestry and shade trees in the schools, colleges and among the general public and to encourage some degree of elementary instruction in forestry and conservation of natural resources. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] F. The director shall on or before September 1st, annually, submit to the commissioner a report of the bureau's activities during the preceding fiscal year ending June 30th. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] G. The director shall biennially prepare a budget for the bureau and submit it to the commissioner. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] H. The director shall have prepared annually a forest fire plan for each administrative unit established according to the authority of section 8906, subsection 1 . The plans shall incorporate the annual forest fire plans of municipalities. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] I. The director is authorized to collect and classify statistics relating to the forests and connected interests of the State and research the extent to which the forests of the State are being destroyed by fires, insects, diseases and by wasteful cutting. The director may also ascertain, to the extent possible, the effect of the diminution of the wooded surface of the land upon the watersheds of the lakes, rivers, water powers and other natural resources of the State. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] J. The director is authorized to conduct inspections and investigations on any lands to survey and inspect shade, ornamental or forest trees pursuant to the authority and procedures set forth in chapter 803 . [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] K. The director may issue and enforce any license or permit authorized by this Part. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] L. The director may, with the consent of the commissioner, acquire and hold any right or interest in real or personal property on behalf of the State. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] M. Except for lands acquired under the authority of paragraph N , the director is authorized, with the consent of the commissioner, to sell, grant, lease, transfer or otherwise convey any real or personal property under the jurisdiction of the bureau. The director shall deposit the proceeds from the sale or lease of property into the forest protection unit account. At least 60 days prior to offering any surplus property for sale under this paragraph, the director shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over forest resources of the director's intent to sell the property. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. X, §5 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] M-1. The proceeds under paragraph M may be used only to upgrade existing structures owned by the forest protection unit within the bureau, to consolidate operations of the unit through the improvement, repair, replacement, purchase or construction of structures and to purchase land upon which to build structures. Ownership of any land purchased under this paragraph or structures purchased or constructed under this paragraph must be held in the name of the unit. Ownership of land or property purchased under this paragraph may also be held in the name of the Bureau of General Services when the unit participates in the consolidation of facilities with other state agencies. Any purchase of land or a structure pursuant to this paragraph must be approved by the Director of the Bureau of General Services. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. X, §6 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] N. The director may, with the advice and consent of the Governor, purchase, when funds are available from bequests or trusts other than bequests made or inter vivos trusts created by the late Percival Proctor Baxter, or accept on the part of the State gifts of parcels or tracts of land to the State, or may purchase land in the name of the State for state forest purposes and may also designate and set aside such lands or portions thereof as natural areas. The director shall not under this section acquire title by purchase to more than 4% of the land area within any one municipality without the written consent of the municipal officer thereof. The title to lands acquired under this section shall be investigated and approved by the Attorney General. The purpose of acquisition of land under this paragraph is the preservation of scenic beauty and recreation as nearly unrestricted and general as is practicable for the people of the State and those whom they admit to the privilege, the production of timber for watershed protection, as a crop, as state forest demonstration areas for research purposes and for the application of model forestry techniques under a well defined criteria of full-use management. The lands acquired by the Bureau of Forestry and designated by it as state forests or natural areas shall never be sold, but may be exchanged for other land to permit consolidation, better access or more efficient administration. Net revenues including, but not limited to, stumpage shall be paid to the Treasurer of State by the director and constitute a fund to be applied to the care and improvement of these lands or for the acquisition of other lands for similar purposes, except that 25% of such revenues shall be returned by the Treasurer of State to the municipality wherein the land is located to be used for municipal purposes. "Natural areas" means limited areas of land which have retained their wilderness character, although not necessarily completely natural and undisturbed, or have rare or vanishing species of plant or animal life or similar features of interest which are worthy of preservation for the use of present and future residents of the State. Natural areas held by the State shall include and be designated as one or more of the following 3 types and the location of each shall be described in the designation: Type 1. Semiwilderness areas which by their size or location offer the experience of solitude and self-reliance. Whereas, lands at the higher elevations are important for protection of watersheds, are ecologically vulnerable if unwisely altered by human interference and often may be uneconomic for logging or construction, it is hereby found that such lands generally may be suitable for this classification; Type 2. Units of importance for all the natural sciences, especially ecology, and with outstanding value for education and research and for the appreciation of natural processes. Preservation in the desired condition shall be the prevailing purpose of such holdings. Visitation shall be regulated so as to ensure this preservation on a permanent basis; and Type 3. Areas which are not of ecological or semiwilderness stature but which have the appearance of being in an untouched natural state or which are capable of attaining that appearance if held and managed for this purpose. Relating to natural areas of Type 1, 2 or 3, all land uses and practices shall be subject to regulations of the bureau, promulgated pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II , in carrying out the purposes of this paragraph to manage or maintain the areas for the preservation of their natural condition. Areas designated under these classifications can be removed from such designation only by approval of the director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, following public notice and hearing. All lands acquired and administered under this paragraph and all other state forests shall be managed under the same principles which govern the management of the public reserve lands, to the extent not inconsistent with this section and management of such state forests shall, in any event, be coordinated with the management of the public reserved lands in order to facilitate the accomplishment of applicable management objectives. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] O. The director may delegate the powers and duties of this Part to the director's agents and representatives, including municipal forest fire wardens appointed by the director. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] P. The director shall act as a liaison with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Cooperative Extension Service on forestry issues. [PL 1991, c. 722, §1 (AMD); PL 1991, c. 722, §11 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).] Q. The director, in cooperation with public and private landowners, shall actively pursue creating areas on public and private land where the principles and applicability of outcome-based forest policy, as defined in section 8868, subsection 2‑B , can be applied and tested. No more than 6 such areas may be designated. The director shall seek to designate areas of various sizes owned by different landowners. The designated areas must represent differing forest types and conditions and different geographic regions of the State. Prior to entering into an outcome-based forestry agreement, the director and the panel of technical experts under section 8869, subsection 3‑A shall conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed outcome-based forestry agreement. The term of initial agreements may not exceed 5 years. The director may renew an agreement if requirements under this section and section 8869, subsection 3‑A are met. The term of a subsequent agreement may not exceed 5 years. [PL 2013, c. 542, §1 (AMD).] R. The director shall enforce section 8006 for those violations discovered as part of the inspection process pursuant to Title 10, section 2364‑B, subsection 6 and within the existing resources of the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 280, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 280, §5 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6404-G — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6404-G
12 §6404-G. Suspension based on 2 or more convictions of scallop fishing in a conservation area
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall suspend the license authorizing the activity in which the person was engaged at the time of the violation for any person adjudicated of a 2nd or subsequent violation of section 6626 . The suspension must be for one year from the date of adjudication. [PL 2009, c. 72, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6073-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6073-B
12 §6073-B. Harvester license exemption; aquaculture
Status: in_force

The holder of a lease issued under section 6072 , 6072‑A or 6072‑B or a license issued under section 6072‑C is exempt from any requirement under sections 6421 , 6501 , 6601 , 6745 , 6746 , 6748 , 6748‑A , 6748‑D , 6751 , 6801‑A and 6803 to hold a separate license for the removal, possession or transport of the cultured organisms from the leased area or the licensed gear, except that, beginning May 1, 2018, a person may not sell organisms cultured on the lease site or under the limited-purpose aquaculture license without a license issued under section 6810‑B . [PL 2017, c. 296, §1 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 296, §10 (AFF).] Revisor's Note: §6073-B. Harvester license exemption; scallop aquaculture (As enacted by PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 6073-C)
12 M.R.S. § 10105 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10105
12 §10105. Other powers
Status: in_force

1. Authorize taking or destruction of wildlife. Whenever the commissioner determines it necessary for the accomplishment of the commissioner's statutory duties, the commissioner may authorize a person to assist the commissioner in the taking and destruction of any wildlife. The commissioner may place conditions or restrictions on any authorization granted under this subsection. A person who violates a condition or restriction placed on an authorization granted under this subsection invalidates that authorization and subjects that person to applicable laws under this Part. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §20 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. Authorize taking and destruction of fish. Notwithstanding sections 12454 , 12456 and 12457 and chapter 923, subchapters 4 and 5 , whenever an illegal introduction of invasive fish species occurs and the commissioner determines it necessary for resource protection and management, the commissioner may authorize licensed anglers to assist the commissioner in the taking and destruction or sale of that invasive fish species. [PL 2009, c. 340, §6 (AMD).]

2. Commissioner's authority to terminate coyote season. [PL 2013, c. 408, §2 (RP).]

3. Coyote control program. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §21 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Search and rescue. Whenever the commissioner receives notification that any person has gone into the woodlands or onto the inland waters of the State on a hunting, fishing or other trip and has become lost, stranded or drowned, the commissioner shall exercise the authority to take reasonable steps to ensure the safe and timely recovery of that person, except in cases involving downed or lost aircraft covered by Title 6, section 303 . A. The commissioner may summon any person in the State to assist in search and rescue attempts. Each person summoned must be paid at a rate set by the commissioner with the approval of the Governor and must be provided with subsistence while engaged in these activities. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The commissioner may enter into written agreements with other agencies or corporations, including commercial recreational areas, allowing partial search and rescue responsibility within specified areas. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The commissioner may terminate a search and rescue operation by members of the department when, in the commissioner's opinion, all reasonable efforts have been exhausted. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. The commissioner may recover all costs directly related to a specific search and rescue operation: (1) From the person for whom the search and rescue operation was conducted; or (2) If a person knowingly provided false information that led to a search and rescue operation, from the person who provided that false information. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §22 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §22 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4-A. Search and rescue dogs. A person assisting the commissioner under subsection 4 with a search and rescue dog certified by or in training with an organization recognized by the Bureau of Warden Service may be accompanied by the search and rescue dog in a place of public accommodation without being required to pay an extra charge or security deposit for the search and rescue dog. The owner of the search and rescue dog is liable for any damages done to the premises by that animal. For purposes of this subsection, "place of public accommodation" has the same meaning as in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 8, paragraph A . [PL 2009, c. 543, §1 (NEW).]

5. Boundary waters with New Hampshire and Canada. The commissioner may prescribe bag limits, size limits, open or closed seasons and methods of taking fish from the inland boundary waters between the states of Maine and New Hampshire and provinces of Canada. These rules must be mutually agreed upon by the commissioners of Maine and New Hampshire and the fishery authorities of Canada and approved by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Establishing line of demarcation. The commissioner, through an agent designated by the commissioner, may establish a line of demarcation between a lake or pond and its outlet or tributaries in areas where the commissioner determines it necessary. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Sale or destruction of confiscated property. The commissioner may sell all property held or confiscated by the State for violation of laws relating to the protection of inland fisheries and wildlife that has been forfeited to the State pursuant to sections 10502 and 10503 . A confiscated or forfeited handgun that was confiscated or forfeited because it was used to commit a homicide must be destroyed by the State, unless the handgun was stolen and the rightful owner was not the person who committed the homicide, in which case the handgun must be returned to the owner if ascertainable. For purposes of this subsection, "handgun" means a firearm, including a pistol or revolver, designed to be fired by use of a single hand. The commissioner shall transmit all money received from sales under this subsection to the Treasurer of State to be credited to the department. [RR 2003, c. 2, §18 (COR).]

8. Employee discipline. The commissioner may dismiss, suspend or otherwise discipline any department employee for cause. This right is subject to the right of appeal and arbitration of grievances as set forth in Title 5 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §23 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

9. Possession and disposal of fish and wildlife. The commissioner may take possession of sick, injured or dead fish and wildlife that is not the property of another person. For any fish and wildlife possessed by the commissioner under this subsection, the commissioner may: A. For sick or injured fish or wildlife, destroy that fish or wildlife when necessary in a manner consistent with the provisions of Title 17, section 1043 ; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. For dead fish or wildlife, dispose of that fish or wildlife in any manner considered appropriate by the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] This subsection does not apply to fish or wildlife seized by the commissioner under section 10502 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

10. Taking and importing wildlife. The commissioner may: A. For scientific purposes, take fish and wildlife and import fish and wildlife into the State or authorize others to do so; and [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §24 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Take or import wild animals or wild birds of any kind, dead or alive, for the purpose of inspection, cultivation, propagation or distribution or for scientific or other purposes considered by the commissioner to be of interest to the game industry of this State. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §24 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §24 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

11. Take or import animals and birds. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §25 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

12. Purchase or sale of wildlife for use as evidence. An agent of the commissioner may buy or sell wildlife for use as evidence in the prosecution of a violation of this Part. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §26 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

13. Prevention of introduction of harmful pathogens into Maine's fish and wildlife population. To prevent the introduction of pathogens into the State that pose a significant risk to the health of Maine's unique fish and wildlife populations, the commissioner may prohibit or otherwise regulate the transportation of a fish or wildlife species or any part of a fish or wildlife species into or within the State. The commissioner may adopt rules to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 470, §1 (NEW).]

14. Regulating the feeding of deer, bear, moose and wild turkey. The commissioner may by rule: A. Prohibit or limit the feeding of deer, bear, moose and wild turkey at any location if there is documented evidence of chronic wasting disease, as defined in Title 7, section 1821, subsection 1 , in the State or within 50 miles of the border of the State or if the commissioner has reason to believe that the type or location of feed may create a public safety hazard or may have a detrimental effect on deer, bear, moose and wild turkey; [PL 2021, c. 409, §4 (AMD).] B. [PL 2019, c. 355, §3 (RP).] C. Prohibit or otherwise limit the placement of garbage or other known attractants for deer, bear, moose and wild turkey if the department has reason to believe the placement creates a public safety hazard; and [PL 2021, c. 409, §4 (AMD).] D. Prohibit or otherwise limit the feeding of deer, bear, moose and wild turkey at any location as part of a plan to promote the use of deer wintering areas by deer. [PL 2021, c. 409, §4 (NEW).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 409, §4 (AMD).]

15. Commissioner's authority to terminate hunting, fishing or trapping season. The commissioner, after consultation with the Governor and the advisory council and by proclamation of the Governor, may terminate an open season for hunting, fishing or trapping at any time in any area if, in the commissioner’s opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or unlawful hunting, fishing or trapping activity. If a section of the State is closed to hunting, fishing or trapping pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner, following the annulment of the proclamation of the Governor, with the consent of the Governor may extend the open season in that section of the State for a period of days not to exceed the number of days lost due to the termination proclamation. Whenever a section of the State is closed to hunting pursuant to this subsection during the open season on birds, the commissioner, following the annulment of the proclamation of the Governor, with the consent of the Governor may extend the open season for bird hunting in that section of the State for a period not to exceed the number of days lost as permitted by regulations of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 United States Code, Sections 703 to 712. [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §11 (AMD).]

16. Hunting and fishing adventure permits for children. In addition to the permits issued by the commissioner pursuant to section 11154, subsection 13 , in extenuating circumstances the commissioner may issue up to 2 additional permits or licenses for other hunting or fishing adventures to a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hunting and fishing adventures to children under 21 years of age with life-threatening, critical or terminal illnesses. [PL 2013, c. 408, §3 (NEW).]

17. Postpone or cancel the start of an open hunting season. Notwithstanding any provision of subpart 4 , the commissioner, based on sound scientific wildlife management principles, may postpone or cancel an open hunting season on any game species if the commissioner has concerns regarding disease, weather conditions, reduction in population or other unforeseen factors that may prevent publicly derived management goals from being met. [PL 2015, c. 57, §1 (NEW).]

18. Extend a trapping season. The commissioner, based on sound scientific wildlife management principles, may extend any open trapping season on any game species for up to 21 days if the commissioner has concerns about weather conditions or other unforeseen factors that may prevent publicly derived management goals from being met. [PL 2019, c. 19, §1 (NEW).]

19. Species of special concern. The commissioner by rule shall establish criteria for determining when a species of fish or wildlife that is not an endangered species or a threatened species is of special concern. The rules may include different criteria for categories of species of special concern, including a category for species that are rare. The rules must list the species that meet the criteria established in rule. The commissioner shall use the list in administering section 12152 and may also use the list in administering any other laws or programs or when providing advisory recommendations to other entities or agencies on fish and wildlife matters in accordance with applicable laws or rules. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 65, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12052 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12052
12 §12052. Special dog training area license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as otherwise authorized under this Part, a person may not engage in an activity authorized under this section unless that person has a valid license 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 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Application and issuance. Upon application of a club or organization having 25 or more resident members, the commissioner may issue to the club or organization a license authorizing the following. A. The licensee may establish and maintain on land owned by the licensee, or over which the licensee has legal control, a special dog training area in which and on which dogs may be trained at any time during the year. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The licensee may at any time during the year train the licensee's own dogs or the dogs of other persons on that area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The licensee may hold field trials at any time on that area or permit, in writing, others to hold field trials on that area under such conditions as are mutually agreed on. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] No more than 8 clubs in any one county may be issued a license. [PL 2019, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]

3. Fee. The fee for a special dog training area license is $27. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §19 (AMD).]

4. Restrictions. The following provisions must be observed. A. Each club licensed under this section may not establish more than 2 special dog training areas, each of which may not be less than 20 acres. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. A club may not control more than a total of 400 acres. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A person shall plainly and conspicuously post the boundary line of a special dog training area with legible notices at least 11 inches square, placed not more than 100 yards apart, that must bear the following warning: "SPECIAL DOG TRAINING FIELD TRIAL AREA -- HUNTING AND TRAPPING IS UNLAWFUL. This land is set aside under special license for the training of dogs and the holding of field trials. Entering on this land for the purpose of hunting or permitting dogs to enter without proper authorization is prohibited." The name and address of the licensee must be printed on the notice. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §194 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §194 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Use of special dog training area other than by licensee. Unless the area is completely enclosed with rabbit-proof fence, a person not a licensee may train that person's own dogs or the dogs of other persons on a special dog training area under the following conditions. A. The person shall apply in writing to the licensee and must receive a permit to do so, for which a charge not to exceed $2 may be made, which amount is retained by the licensee. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Unless the special dog training area is completely enclosed by rabbit-proof fence, a licensee's failure to make reasonable provision for the use of that special dog training area by persons not licensees is sufficient grounds for the department to deny a renewal of license. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Stocking by commissioner. The commissioner may, from time to time during each year, stock wild animals or wild birds at the special dog training area and shall charge the licensees a reasonable price for them. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Stocking by licensee. This section is not to be construed as authorizing licensees to liberate a wild bird or quadruped coming from outside of the State on a special dog training area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Violation of license restriction. A person may not violate any restriction of a license or permit issued in accordance with this section. A. A person who violates a license or permit restriction under 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, §195 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates a license or permit restriction under 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, §195 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] Each day a person violates a license or permit restriction under this section that person commits a separate violation. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §195 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13101 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 937 / Section 13101
12 §13101. Application
Status: in_force

This chapter applies to the operation of snowmobiles in all areas that come within the jurisdiction of the State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12513 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12513
12 §12513. Permit to take baitfish
Status: in_force

Whenever inland waters are closed to fishing, the commissioner may issue permits to take baitfish for bait purposes from those waters. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12257 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12257
12 §12257. Trapping by certain department employees
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A department biologist or warden may not trap wild animals for profit while on duty within the district to which that person is assigned. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §218 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

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, §218 (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, §218 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §218 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10902-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10902-A
12 §10902-A. Suspension of license through administrative process for civil trespass while hunting
Status: in_force

The department in an adjudicatory proceeding may impose an administrative penalty for a violation of section 10657 in accordance with this section. [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

1. Initiation and notice. If the Game Warden Colonel delivers to the commissioner a written statement under oath that the Game Warden Colonel has probable cause to suspect that a person has violated section 10657 while hunting and the Game Warden Colonel has determined, after consultation with the district attorney having jurisdiction over that violation, that the person will not be charged with a crime or civil violation under that section, the commissioner immediately shall examine the statement and determine whether to conduct an adjudicatory proceeding for the purpose of imposing an administrative penalty under this section. If the commissioner determines that the imposition of a penalty is necessary, the commissioner shall, in accordance with Title 5, section 9052 , immediately notify the person who is alleged to have violated section 10657 . The provided notice under this subsection must state that the person may request a hearing in accordance with subsection 2 within 10 days of receipt of notice. Notice is deemed received 3 days after the mailing. If a person who has been notified pursuant to this subsection does not request a hearing within 10 days after receipt of notice, the commissioner may implement administrative penalties under subsection 3 without a hearing. [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

2. Hearing. If a person alleged to have violated section 10657 requests a hearing pursuant to subsection 1 , the commissioner or commissioner's designee shall appoint a presiding officer who shall hold the hearing within 30 business days after the request. If the hearing is continued, it must be held no later than 60 days after the original notice, unless the presiding officer finds that a continuance beyond 60 days is warranted. The hearing must be held in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 , except that: A. Issues of the hearing are limited to whether the person while hunting violated section 10657 ; [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] B. If the presiding officer determines that the person while hunting committed a violation of section 10657, the presiding officer shall immediately notify the commissioner of the finding; and [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] C. The presiding officer shall provide a written decision that contains the findings and recommended penalties under subsection 3 no more than 10 business days after completion of the hearing, after which the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may take administrative action under subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

3. Administrative action. In accordance with this section, if the commissioner or the commissioner's designee determines, after receiving the findings and recommendations of the presiding officer under subsection 2 or in accordance with Title 5, section 9053 if a hearing has not been requested, that a person who holds a license to hunt violated section 10657 while hunting, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may impose the following penalties: A. For a first violation, revocation of the person's hunting licenses for one year from the date the commissioner or the commissioner's designee issues a decision under this subsection; [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] B. For a 2nd violation, revocation of the person's hunting licenses for 2 years from the date the commissioner or the commissioner's designee issues a decision under this subsection; or [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] C. For subsequent violations, revocation of the person's hunting licenses for 3 years from the date the commissioner or the commissioner's designee issues a decision under this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

4. Additional penalties; mutually exclusive penalties. In addition to the penalties specified in subsection 3 , a person who violates section 10657 while hunting, as determined by the presiding officer, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee under this section, must successfully complete the outdoor ethics course for hunters under section 10903‑A before the person is eligible to obtain a hunting license. If a person who violates section 10657 while hunting does not possess a hunting license at the time of violation, the commissioner or commissioner's designee may refuse to issue a hunting license to that person for up to 5 years following the violation in accordance with the procedures established in this section. If the person alleged to have violated section 10657 is convicted or adjudicated of a crime or civil violation under that section, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may not impose an administrative penalty under this section. [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]

5. Appeal. A person may appeal an administrative action under subsection 3 or 4 to the Superior Court within 30 days of receipt of the commissioner's or the commissioner's designee's decision under subsection 3 or 4. [PL 2021, c. 124, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6556 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6556
12 §6556. Striped bass; limits; personal use
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to fish for or take striped bass, except for personal use.
12 M.R.S. § 12655 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12655
12 §12655. Unlawful use of bait
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. During times when fishing is limited by rule to the use of artificial lures only, a person may not use: A. Live bait; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §278 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Dead bait; or [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §278 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Chemically preserved natural or organic bait. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §278 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §278 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §278 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6526 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6526
12 §6526. Rules; bait dealers license
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt rules requiring that a person selling bait be licensed. [PL 1991, c. 784, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 751 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 209 / Section 751
12 §751. Concurrent jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The State shall retain a concurrent jurisdiction with the United States in and over lands acquired as national forests in the State so far that civil process in all cases, and such criminal process as may issue under the authority of the State against any person charged with the commission of crime without or within said jurisdiction, may be executed thereon in like manner as if this section and sections 752 and 754 had not passed. The State of Maine shall retain exclusive jurisdiction over all matters referred to in the proviso contained in section 752 . [PL 2005, c. 258, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6812 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6812
12 §6812. Sea cucumber drag
Status: in_force

1. Drag width. It is unlawful to utilize a drag to fish for or take sea cucumbers that exceeds 5 feet, 6 inches in width, measured from extreme outside edge to extreme outside edge. [PL 1999, c. 672, §1 (NEW).]

2. Configuration of drag. The commissioner shall adopt rules that describe the type of drag that may be used to fish for or take sea cucumbers, including, but not limited to, limitations on the type or size of drag components. Such rules are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 672, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12508 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12508
12 §12508. License to operate private fee pond
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person who owns a private pond may not charge others for the opportunity to fish in that private pond unless the owner of that pond possesses a valid private fee pond license issued by the commissioner under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a civil violation. [PL 2023, c. 431, §15 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).]

2. Licensed activities. A private fee pond license authorizes the owner of a private pond to charge others for the opportunity to fish in that private pond and authorizes persons who fish in that pond to fish for, take, possess and transport fish harvested from that pond, notwithstanding other provisions of the law or rules of the department pertaining to manner, time, season, bag limit, length limit or fishing license requirements. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Fee. The fee for a private fee pond license is $27. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §28 (AMD).]

4. Requirements. Except as otherwise authorized under this Part, a person shall: A. Kill all fish taken from a private fee pond operated pursuant to this section prior to their transportation from the site; and [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §255 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Tag all fish transported from the site as provided by rules adopted by the commissioner. Rules providing for tagging adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §255 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §255 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12512 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12512
12 §12512. Permit to transport live fish
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not transport within the limits of the State live fish taken in the State, other than baitfish, Atlantic salmon used in commercial aquaculture and smelts, without a valid permit issued under this section. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime, except that, notwithstanding Title 17‑A, section 1704 , the fine may not be less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000. [PL 2025, c. 343, §10 (AMD).]

2. Issuance. The commissioner may issue a permit to a person permitting that person to transport within the limits of the State fish taken in the State. [PL 2025, c. 343, §10 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6575-E — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6575-E
12 §6575-E. Method of eel fishing
Status: in_force

Except as provided in section 6505‑C, subsection 2 , it is unlawful for a person licensed under section 6505‑C to fish for or take eels by any method other than eel pot. [PL 2013, c. 301, §11 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11163 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11163
12 §11163. Dog training and hunting permit
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not train a hunting dog on bear, fox or raccoon or hunt bear, coyote, bobcat, fox or raccoon with a dog without a valid dog training and hunting permit issued under this section. A person who is training or hunting with a dog under the supervision of and in the presence of a licensed guide who has a valid dog training and hunting permit is exempt from this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).]

2. Issuance of permit. The commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent shall issue a dog training and hunting permit to an applicant 16 years of age or older permitting the applicant to hunt with or train dogs. A person under 16 years of age may, without a dog training and hunting permit, hunt with or train dogs in accordance with this Part. [PL 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).]

3. Fee. The fee for a dog training and hunting permit is $12. [PL 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).]

4. Violations. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).] 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 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 580, §7 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6133 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6133
12 §6133. Inspection of documents and watercraft
Status: in_force

1. Inspection powers. Marine patrol officers may stop and board any watercraft at any time to inspect its documents, licenses and permits of the occupants of the watercraft and to conduct a safety inspection. [PL 1987, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

2. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , which: A. Specify safety requirements for watercraft subject to inspection. Requirements may be incorporated by reference to other state or federal watercraft safety laws, rules or regulations; and [PL 1987, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] B. Define the procedure for a safety inspection. [PL 1987, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

3. Failure to submit to inspection. Failure of an owner, operator or occupant of watercraft to submit to the inspection authorized by this section is a Class E crime and shall be grounds for the suspension, pursuant to chapter 617 , of licenses issued under this Part to the person failing to submit. [PL 1987, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6805 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6805
12 §6805. Shrimp Management Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Shrimp Management Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the department. [PL 1999, c. 491, §5 (NEW).]

2. Purposes of fund. The commissioner shall use the fund for research and assessment related to management of the shrimp fishery. [PL 1999, c. 491, §5 (NEW).]

3. Source of revenue. In addition to the fees derived from the commercial and noncommercial northern shrimp licenses, the fund may receive money from any source for the purposes described in subsection 2 . [PL 2025, c. 244, §5 (AMD).] Revisor's Note: §6805. Seaweed harvesting rules (As enacted by PL 1999, c. 501, §4 is REALLOCATED TO T. 12, §6807)
12 M.R.S. § 1801 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1801
12 §1801. Definitions
Status: reserved

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

1. Bureau. "Bureau" means the Bureau of Parks and Lands. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

1-A. Archery equipment. "Archery equipment" has the same meaning as in section 10001, subsection 3‑B . [PL 2023, c. 239, §1 (NEW).]

2. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 2001, c. 604, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

3. Department. "Department" means the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

4. Director. "Director" means the Director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

4-A. Ecological reserve. "Ecological reserve" means an area owned or leased by the State, under the jurisdiction of the bureau, designated by the director for the purpose of maintaining one or more natural community types or native ecosystem types in a natural condition and range of variation and contributing to the protection of Maine's biological diversity and managed: A. As a benchmark against which biological and environmental change may be measured; [PL 1999, c. 592, §2 (NEW).] B. To protect sufficient habitat for those species whose habitat needs are unlikely to be met on lands managed for other purposes; or [PL 1999, c. 592, §2 (NEW).] C. As a site for ongoing scientific research, long-term environmental monitoring and education. [PL 1999, c. 592, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 592, §2 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

5. Historic site. "Historic site" means any area of land owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the State, with or without buildings, improvements or other structures, that has been classified by the director for public use wholly or primarily because of its historical, archaeological or scientific interest or value. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

6. Nonreserved public lands. "Nonreserved public lands" means all public domain lands, public islands in inland and coastal waters, lands acquired under section 8003, subsection 3, paragraph N , lands acquired by the bureau pursuant to other lawful authority and any other lands the management and control of which are not otherwise provided for by law. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

7. Park. "Park" means any area of land or an interest in land, with or without improvements, that is acquired by or under the control of the State, managed primarily for public recreation or conservation purposes and classified by the director as a park, including: A. Any area of considerable extent, but not exceeding 10,000 acres, in which are combined superlative or distinctive scenic characteristics and a reasonably varied, extensive or exceptional opportunity for active recreation; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. Any area not exceeding 1,000 acres that is with or without distinctive characteristics but contains natural features that afford ample opportunity for development and use for active recreation; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Any area included in paragraphs A and B that is within easy access of any road or highway, except extensions to road or highway rights-of-way, turnouts, loops or other additions to roads or highways the primary purpose of which is to preserve the natural beauty of lands bordering such roads or highways or to afford temporary stopping points along such roads or highways; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. Any strip or strips of land, with or without roads, highways or improvements, that are required for ingress and egress to or from any of the areas described in paragraphs A to C , which may not exceed in length the distance required to connect those areas with the nearest arterial or trunk-line highway, railroad line or terminal or other public transportation facility or way; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] E. Any area of land largely in a natural condition and containing natural features of scenic, ecological or scientific interest or importance. The presence of human-made development does not preclude an area from this classification if that development is not likely to remain or leave a permanent mark upon the natural character of the area or is essential to the operation of the area as a wilderness or natural area, as long as the development detracts only minimally from the area's natural character. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §14 (COR).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §14 (COR).]

8. Public reserved lands. "Public reserved lands" means: A. All the public reserved lots of the State, including any ministerial and school lands in the unincorporated areas of the State; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. All lands acquired with proceeds from the sale of public reserved lands; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. All lands received by the State in exchange for or pursuant to relocation of public reserved lands; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. All lands acquired by the State and expressly designated as public reserved lands by the director or otherwise by law. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

9. Submerged lands. "Submerged lands" means: A. All land from the mean low-water mark or a maximum of 1,650 feet seaward of the mean high-water mark, whichever is closer to the mean high-water mark, out to the seaward boundary of territorial waters as defined in section 6001 ; [PL 2005, c. 134, §1 (AMD).] B. All land below the mean low-water mark of tidal rivers upstream to the farthest natural reaches of the tides; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. All land below the natural mean low-water mark of ponds that in their natural state are 10 or more acres in size; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. The river bed of international boundary rivers, defined as all land lying between the international boundary line and defined banks created by the action of surface water and characterized by a lack of terrestrial vegetation and devoid of topsoil. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 134, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 8888 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8888
12 §8888. Enforcement
Status: in_force

Enforcement of this subchapter shall be by any state, county or municipal law enforcement officer, including forest rangers and field foresters of the Bureau of Forestry and wardens of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. [PL 1989, c. 555, §12 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 600, Pt. B, §11 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 1893-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1893-B
12 §1893-B. Advisory council established
Status: in_force

1. Appointment and composition. The Snowmobile Trail Fund Advisory Council, referred to in this section as "the advisory council" and established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 3‑B , consists of 11 members. The director or the director's designee serves as an ex officio member and may vote only to break a tie. The other 10 members are appointed by the commissioner as follows: A. Three members who represent snowmobile clubs that are Snowmobile Trail Fund grantees; [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] B. Three members who represent municipal Snowmobile Trail Fund grantees; [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] C. Two members who represent a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling; [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] D. One member who represents snowmobile business interests; and [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] E. One member who represents landowner interests. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

2. Terms. Members of the advisory council serve for 3 years, except that initially the members appointed under subsection 1, paragraphs A , B and C shall draw lots for 2-year or 3-year terms. Members continue serving until a successor is duly appointed and qualified. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms. When a vacancy occurs, the commissioner shall fill the vacancy by appointing a member from the same category as the member who vacated the advisory council and that member continues to serve for the remainder of the term. An employee of the department may not serve as a member of the advisory council prior to the expiration of one year from the employee's last day of employment with the department. A Legislator may not serve as a member of the advisory council. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

3. Compensation. Advisory council members are entitled to reasonable expenses as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 , as approved by the director. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

4. Duties. The advisory council shall provide to the director advice and information on the management of the Snowmobile Trail Fund, including, but not limited to: A. The annual establishment of reimbursement rates for snowmobile club trail grants, municipal snowmobile trail grants and capital equipment grants; and [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] B. Expenditures that are over $30,000 for the snowmobile program pursuant to section 1893 and are not part of the regular grant program. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

5. Chair; vice-chair. The advisory council shall, during its meeting in August, elect one of its appointed members as chair and one of its appointed members as vice-chair for one-year terms. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

6. Meetings. The advisory council shall hold meetings in August and February. The advisory council may also meet at other times at the call of the chair or the director or the director's designee. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

7. Public meetings; public comment. All meetings of the advisory council are open to the public and must be held in a location that is convenient for public access. Public comment must be accepted at 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. [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]

8. Public notice. Public notice of all advisory council meetings must be in accordance with Title 1, section 406 . [PL 2003, c. 260, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6553-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6553-A
12 §6553-A. Implements and devices in Washington County waters
Status: in_force

Between May 1st and December 1st of each year, it is unlawful to set or use any device, such as fish spawn, grapnel, spear, trawl, weir, gaff, seine, gill net, trap or set line on the waters of the Pleasant River and its tributaries in Columbia Falls and Addison, in Washington County, above Maine River Bridge, so-called, in Addison, and during that closed period a person may not have in that person's possession any grapnel, trawl, weir, seine, gill net, trap or set line on the waters of the Pleasant River or its tributaries within those boundaries. This section does not apply to the taking of eels by spear from those waters during the month of November annually. This section does not apply to the taking of river herring from those waters as authorized by the general law or by vote of the Town of Columbia Falls. Any equipment used in violation of this section must be confiscated by the commissioner, after final adjudication of any charge brought under this section. [PL 2011, c. 598, §24 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6405 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6405
12 §6405. Trap removal
Status: in_force

A person whose lobster and crab fishing license has been suspended shall, within 5 days of suspension, remove from the water all of the person's lobster traps or cars, except cars numbered with another valid license number. The commissioner may extend the time period if adverse weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the control of the license holder prevent removal within that time period. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §52 (COR).]

During the removal period, the license holder may not sell, lease or otherwise transfer ownership of the license holder's lobster traps or cars or give written permission to another person to raise, lift or transfer those traps or cars. The commissioner may allow another licensed person, subject to any conditions or limitations, to assist the license holder in removing the license holder's traps or cars, if that assistance is required because of personal hardship or a large number of traps. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §52 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 544 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 544
12 §544. Natural Areas Program
Status: in_force

1. Establishment. The Natural Areas Program is established within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is administered by the commissioner. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

2. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).] B. "Critical area" means any natural area documented by the Natural Areas Program that is conserved or protected in its natural condition through voluntary action. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] C. "Endangered plant" means any native plant species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range within the State or any species determined to be an endangered species pursuant to the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public Law 93-205, as amended. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] D. "Natural area" means any area of land or water, or both land and water, whether publicly or privately owned, that retains or has reestablished its natural character, though it need not be completely natural and undisturbed, and that supports, harbors or otherwise contains endangered, threatened or rare plants, animals and native ecological systems, or rare or unique geological, hydrological, natural historical, scenic or other similar features of scientific and educational value benefiting the citizens of the State. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] E. "Register of critical areas" means the official listing of critical areas. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] F. "Species" means any recognized taxonomic category of the biota including species, subspecies or variety. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] G. "Threatened plant" means any species of native plant likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range in the State or any species of plant determined to be a threatened species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public Law 93-205, as amended. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

3. Functions of the Natural Areas Program. The Natural Areas Program shall perform the following functions. A. The Natural Areas Program shall conduct an ongoing, statewide inventory of the State's natural areas, including, but not limited to, rare plants, animals, natural communities and ecosystems or other geological, hydrological, natural historical, scenic or other similar features, and may conduct investigations related to the population, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological and ecological data to support the mandates of the Natural Areas Program or other cooperating agencies. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] B. The Natural Areas Program shall maintain a biological and conservation database that must contain data from inventories and other data sources and other relevant biological, ecological or other information about natural features described in paragraph A and about ecologically significant sites that harbor these features. Information contained in the biological and conservation database may be made available as necessary or appropriate for conservation and land use planning, environmental review, scientific research and inquiry, education or other appropriate use. For the purpose of this paragraph, an appropriate use is one that will not jeopardize sensitive species or habitats. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] C. The Natural Areas Program may coordinate inventory and data management and planning activities with other appropriate state agencies or entities to maximize efficiency and increase communication among agencies and to provide appropriate data interpretation and technical services to support the mandates and programs of those agencies. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] D. The Natural Areas Program may levy appropriate charges to those using, for commercial gain, the inventory and information services provided by the Natural Areas Program to recover the costs of providing the services and a reasonable portion of the costs associated with building and maintaining the biological and conservation database. Charges must be fixed in a schedule prepared and revised as necessary by the Natural Areas Program and supported and explained by accompanying information. [PL 2007, c. 395, §8 (AMD).] E. The Natural Areas Program may enter into cooperative agreements with federal or state agencies, political subdivisions of this State or private persons or organizations to receive or disburse funds for the purposes of this subchapter. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).] F. The Natural Areas Program shall maintain a database of areas designated as ecological reserves as defined in section 1801, subsection 4‑A and other public lands designated and managed for equivalent purposes and shall provide scientific review of areas on state land proposed as ecological reserves. [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. B, §6 (NEW).] G. The Natural Areas Program shall provide staff assistance to support the Land for Maine's Future Board established under Title 5, chapter 353 . [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. II, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. II, §11 (AFF).] [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. II, §3 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. II, §11 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 4811-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 7 / Chapter 424 / Section 4811-A
12 §4811-A. Definitions (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 38, SECTION 436)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 38, SECTION 436)
12 M.R.S. § 9704 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 809 / Section 9704
12 §9704. Penalties not substitutes for existing liabilities
Status: in_force

None of the penalties imposed by this Part shall be considered as substitutes for or as repealing laws making persons guilty of crimes, offenses or acts of trespass or liable for civil damages to persons injured by such acts, except that any person who invokes the remedy of section 9324, subsection 2 , is barred from an action at common law for damages so sued for. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6749-X — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6749-X
12 §6749-X. Sea Urchin Zone Council
Status: in_force

1. Appointment and election; composition. The Sea Urchin Zone Council, referred to in this section as the "council," established by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 57-B , consists of 15 members. Seven members of the council are elected by the sea urchin industry as follows: A. One sea urchin harvester who holds a current handfishing sea urchin license for Zone 1; [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] B. One sea urchin harvester who holds a current handfishing sea urchin license for Zone 2; [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] C. One sea urchin harvester who holds a current sea urchin draggers license for Zone 1; [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] D. One sea urchin harvester who holds a current sea urchin draggers license for Zone 2; [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] E. One individual who holds a current wholesale seafood license with a sea urchin buyer's permit; [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] F. One individual who holds a current wholesale seafood license with a sea urchin processor's permit ; and [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).] G. [PL 1999, c. 244, §5 (RP).] H. [PL 1999, c. 244, §5 (RP).] I. [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (RP).] J. One sea urchin harvester who holds a current boat tender's license. [PL 1997, c. 685, §10 (NEW).] The commissioner shall appoint the remaining 8 members. If possible, those 8 appointees must include, but not be limited to, a marine scientist, an aquaculturalist, a person holding a sea urchin draggers license, a person holding a sea urchin and scallop diving tender license and a person holding a sea urchin hand-raking and trapping license. In making appointments under this subsection, the commissioner shall select members to ensure a geographic distribution of representation from each zone. [PL 2007, c. 176, §2 (AMD).]

1-A. Elections. The commissioner shall adopt by rule procedures for conducting the election of members required under subsection 1 . Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2007, c. 176, §3 (NEW).]

2. Term. Council members serve for 2 years and continue serving until a successor is duly appointed or elected and qualified. When a vacancy occurs of an appointed member, the commissioner shall fill the vacancy by appointing a member from the same category of members listed in subsection 1 as the member who vacated the council. When a vacancy occurs of an elected member, the vacancy must be filled by an election as provided by rule. [PL 2007, c. 176, §4 (AMD).]

3. Purpose. The council shall make recommendations to the commissioner concerning: A. The designation of open days for the harvesting of sea urchins by handfishing, dragging, hand-raking and trapping pursuant to rules adopted under section 6749 ; [PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).] B. Research projects and grants funded by the Sea Urchin Research Fund under section 6749-R . The council may seek advice from scientists who have expertise in marine resource management in determining the research needs for the sea urchin fishery; [PL 1999, c. 244, §6 (AMD).] C. Other matters of interest to the sea urchin fishery; and [PL 1997, c. 685, §11 (AMD).] D. The ratio of the number of new licenses issued to the number of the licenses not renewed. [PL 1997, c. 685, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]

4. Chair and officers. The council shall annually choose one of its members to serve as chair for a one-year term. The council may select other officers and designate their duties. [PL 1995, c. 595, §5 (NEW).]

5. Meetings. The council shall meet at least once each year. The council may also meet at other times at the call of the chair or the chair's designee or the call of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. [PL 1995, c. 595, §5 (NEW).]

6. Compensation. Members are entitled to compensation according to Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2001, c. 327, §19 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13110 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 937 / Section 13110
12 §13110. Snowmobile repair shop registration and license
Status: in_force

1. Application and issuance. A person whose business includes repairing snowmobiles but who is not required to be licensed as a snowmobile dealer under section 13109 may register that business entity as a snowmobile repair shop and secure a snowmobile repair shop license and number plate from the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Fee. The commissioner shall set the fee for a snowmobile repair shop license. The fee may not exceed $15 for any 12-month period. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Field testing repairs on unregistered snowmobiles. The owner of a snowmobile repair shop licensed under this section may operate or allow the operation of an unregistered snowmobile for the purpose of field testing repairs to that snowmobile if: A. Valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under this section are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any person employed by the snowmobile repair shop. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Operating an unregistered snowmobile in compliance with this subsection is not a violation of section 13104, subsection 1 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1868 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1868
12 §1868. Identification of offshore wind energy test areas
Status: in_force

1. Site identification process. No later than December 15, 2009, following consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, the Department of Marine Resources, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and the University of Maine System and opportunity for public comment, the department shall identify and map up to 5 specific offshore wind energy test areas. An offshore wind energy test area identified under this subsection must be a geographic area on state-owned submerged lands suitable for offshore wind energy demonstration projects constructed and operated in accordance with Title 38, section 480-HH . In identifying each such area, the department must consider existing information regarding pertinent ecological, environmental, social and development-related factors, including but not limited to: A. Potential adverse effects on a protected natural resource, as defined by Title 38, section 480-B, subsection 8 , or a scenic resource of state or national significance, as defined by Title 35‑A, section 3451, subsection 9 ; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] B. Potential adverse effects on species listed as threatened or endangered under section 6975 or section 12803, subsection 3 ; avian species, including seabirds, passerines, raptors, shorebirds, water birds and waterfowl; bats; and marine mammals; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] C. Potential adverse effects on commercial fishing, recreation, navigation, existing public access ways to intertidal and subtidal areas and other existing uses; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] D. Proximity to deep water port facilities, rail transportation, transmission infrastructure facilities and existing ocean-based environmental monitoring devices; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] E. Data regarding wind speed, ocean wave height and period, ocean currents and water depth; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] F. Geology, including substrate type and other seafloor characteristics; [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] G. Public support in pertinent coastal communities; and [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] H. Historic sites and archaeological resources of state or national significance. [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §13 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §34 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).]

2. Maine Offshore Wind Energy Research Center. The department shall designate one of the areas identified under subsection 1 as the Maine Offshore Wind Energy Research Center for use by offshore wind energy demonstration projects conducted by or in cooperation with the University of Maine System and on terms and in a manner that the University of Maine System considers consistent with and in furtherance of its offshore wind energy research and development-related objectives, including but not limited to any such objectives to be supported with state bond revenues. [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]

3. Modification of identified offshore wind energy test areas. Following the identification of offshore wind energy test areas under subsection 1 , the department may, following notice and opportunity for public comment, add to, remove or other otherwise modify the list of offshore wind energy test areas identified under subsection 1 . In making modifications under this subsection, the department is subject to the site identification criteria under subsection 1 , except that modifications under this subsection may result in more than 5 identified areas. [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]

4. Judicial review. The identification of an offshore wind energy test area or areas under subsection 1 or subsection 3 constitutes final agency action. [PL 2009, c. 270, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6209 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 609 / Section 6209
12 §6209. Commissioner to keep records
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall collect and maintain criminal history record information pertinent to violations of chapters 601 to 627 . The commissioner may collect and maintain other records and information pertinent to other functions of the department, including the enforcement of civil violations. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §47 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 11201 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11201
12 §11201. Hunting during closed season
Status: in_force

1. Closed season; general. A person may not hunt any wild animal or wild bird during the closed season or possess any wild animal or wild bird taken during the closed season on that wild animal or wild bird. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 552, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]

2. Bear. A person who hunts or possesses a bear in violation of 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, none of which may be suspended, and of not less than 10 days for each succeeding offense, none of which may be suspended. The court also shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 552, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]

3. Deer. A person who hunts or possesses a deer in violation of 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, none of which may be suspended, and of not less than 10 days for each succeeding offense, none of which may be suspended. The court also shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 552, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]

4. Moose. A person who hunts or possesses a moose in violation of 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, none of which may be suspended, and of not less than 10 days for each succeeding offense, none of which may be suspended. The court also shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 552, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]

5. Wild turkey. A person who hunts or possesses a wild turkey in violation of this section commits a Class E crime for which the court shall impose a fine of not less than $500, none of which may be suspended. The court also shall impose a fine of not less than $500 for each wild turkey unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 552, §3 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6728 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6728
12 §6728. Limits in Cobscook Bay
Status: in_force

1. Daily limit; rules. In the coastal waters northerly and inshore of the international bridge that connects Lubec to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada, a person may not fish for, take or possess more than 15 gallons of scallop meat per day. Under this subsection a person may not unload any portion of a day's catch and return to fishing. The department shall establish by rule a bushel limit of shellstock that is equivalent to 15 gallons of meat. The department shall also establish by rule a method to allow harvesters to land and possess scallops in Cobscook Bay that are taken outside the area defined in this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [PL 2007, c. 557, §8 (AMD).]

2. Culling required. [PL 2003, c. 63, §1 (RP).]

3. Violation. [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §1 (RP).]

3-A. Violation. Notwithstanding section 6174 , a person who violates this section commits a civil violation. 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 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] 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. A, §11 (NEW).] C. For the 3rd and subsequent offenses, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized and the scallop dragging license may be suspended for one year. The penalty imposed pursuant to this paragraph is in addition to the penalty imposed under section 6728‑B . [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2015, c. 329, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11601 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11601
12 §11601. Unlawful hunting of moose
Status: in_force

1. Hunting with permittee. A person may not hunt moose with a permittee unless that person is a subpermittee authorized in accordance with this section. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Presence of permittee. A subpermittee may not hunt moose if that subpermittee is not in the presence of the permittee while hunting moose. A subpermittee is not in the presence of a permittee if contact between the permittee and the subpermittee requires visual or audio enhancement devices, including binoculars or citizen band radios. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. One subpermittee. A permittee may not hunt moose with more than one authorized subpermittee. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Unlawful possession. A person may not possess a moose that has been hunted in violation of this section. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §176 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 552, §6 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12805 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12805
12 §12805. Cooperative agreements
Status: in_force

The commissioner may enter into agreements with federal agencies, other states, political subdivisions of this State or private persons for the establishment and maintenance of programs for the conservation of endangered or threatened species and may receive all federal funds allocated for obligations to the State pursuant to these agreements. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8703 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8703
12 §8703. Municipal forests
Status: in_force

The director may establish a program to provide, at cost, forest seedlings or transplants for use on lands acquired by municipalities for forest purposes as allowed in Title 30, chapter 227 . Application for such material shall be made on forms as the director prescribes. The director, whenever providing forest seedlings or transplants, shall recommend procedures for the planting, management and protection of the municipal forest lands. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10605 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10605
12 §10605. Sentencing alternative; habitual violator
Status: in_force

1. Habitual violator defined. For purposes of this section, "habitual violator" means a person whose record, as maintained by the department, shows that: A. The person has been convicted of 3 or more criminal violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period, except that, whenever more than one criminal violation is committed at the same time, multiple convictions are deemed to be one offense; or [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §64 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. The person has been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part and convicted of 2 or more Class E crimes as a result of such prior adjudications within the previous 5-year period. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §64 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §64 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Sentencing alternative for habitual violators. When an habitual violator is convicted of a crime in this Part the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving not less than 3 days imprisonment, none of which may be suspended, and a fine of not less than $500, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13069-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13069-C
12 §13069-C. Watercraft accident reports
Status: in_force

A person shall report a watercraft accident to the commissioner in accordance with this section. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

1. Injury to person. An operator or owner of a watercraft involved in a collision, accident or other casualty while using the watercraft that results in the death of a person, a person's losing consciousness or receiving medical treatment, a person's becoming disabled for more than 24 hours or the disappearence of a person from a watercraft under circumstances indicating death or injury shall file a written report on forms provided by the commissioner containing the information as required by the commissioner within 24 hours of the occurrence. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

2. Damage to watercraft. Accidents involving only damage to watercraft or other property to the estimated amount of $2,000 or more must be reported within 72 hours on forms provided by the commissioner. [PL 2015, c. 301, §45 (AMD).]

3. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations 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 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).] 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 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6076 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6076
12 §6076. Marine Shellfish Toxins Monitoring Program
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. A comprehensive Marine Shellfish Toxins Monitoring Program is established to protect the public health while providing for the harvest of susceptible species of marine mollusks in areas not shown to be affected by contamination. [PL 1989, c. 205, §2 (AMD).]

2. Responsibilities. The department is the state agency responsible for implementing the program. [PL 2011, c. 527, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6103 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6103
12 §6103. Implementation of fishery product or shellfish inspection programs
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall cooperate in developing and implementing any fishery product or shellfish inspection programs. Those programs must meet the standards established by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry under the Maine Food Law. [PL 2005, c. 434, §2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 12301-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 919 / Section 12301-A
12 §12301-A. Registration of harvested animals
Status: in_force

1. Registration stations established. The commissioner shall adopt rules governing the establishment and closure of bear, deer, moose and wild turkey registration stations for the purpose of registering harvested bear, deer, moose and wild turkey and to allow for the collection of biological and hunting data. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §226 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Agents designated. An agent designated by the commissioner must be in charge of each bear, deer, moose or wild turkey registration station. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §226 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Agent duties. Registration agents shall: A. Register every bear, deer, moose or wild turkey legally presented for registration; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §226 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Attach a seal to each bear, deer, moose or wild turkey in the manner directed and with the materials furnished by the commissioner; [PL 2013, c. 387, §4 (AMD).] C. Collect $5 and retain $2 for each seal from the person registering a bear, deer or moose. The remaining $3 must be returned to the department by the agent pursuant to section 10801, subsection 3 ; and [PL 2013, c. 387, §5 (AMD).] D. Collect and retain $2 for each wild turkey registered. [PL 2013, c. 387, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 387, §§4-6 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6309 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6309
12 §6309. Licensees not in compliance with a court order of support; enforcement of parental support obligations
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Compliance with a support order" means that the support obligor has obtained or maintained health insurance coverage if required by a support order and is: (1) No more than 60 days in arrears in making any of the following payments: (a) Payments in full for current support; (b) Periodic payments on a support arrearage pursuant to a written agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services; and (c) Periodic payments as set forth in a support order; and (2) No more than 30 days in arrears in making payments as described in subparagraph (1) if the obligor has been in arrears for more than 30 days in making payments as described in subparagraph (1) at least 2 times within the past 24 months. [PL 2003, c. 396, §3 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] B. "Support order" means a judgment, decree or order, whether temporary, final or subject to modification, issued by a court or an administrative agency of competent jurisdiction for the support and maintenance of a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state, or a child and the parent with whom the child is living, that provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages or reimbursement and may include related costs and fees, interest and penalties, income withholding, attorney's fees and other relief. [PL 2003, c. 396, §3 (RPR).] [PL 2003, c. 396, §3 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

2. Noncompliance with a support order. An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license or an existing licensee regulated by the department under this subpart who is not in compliance with a support order is subject to the requirements of Title 19‑A, section 2201 . [PL 2003, c. 396, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 903 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 211 / Section 903
12 §903. Rules
Status: in_force

1. Adoption of rules. The Baxter State Park Authority may adopt rules pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act it considers necessary for the protection and safety of the public or for the proper observance of the conditions and restrictions expressed in the deeds of trust of the Baxter State Park to the State. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2. Violation of rules and permits. A person who violates any of the rules of the Baxter State Park Authority or a condition of a permit issued under those rules commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2009, c. 644, §1 (AMD).]

3. Destruction of structure, monument, marker or notice. A person who intentionally or knowingly mutilates, defaces or destroys any structure, monument or marker lawfully erected within the boundaries of the Baxter State Park, or any notice or rule of the Baxter State Park Authority that is posted in conformity with this section, commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6743 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6743
12 §6743. Closed areas
Status: in_force

1. Mahogany quahogs from closed areas. A person may not: A. Fish for or take mahogany quahogs from an area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; or [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).] B. Possess, ship, transport or sell mahogany quahogs taken from an area closed pursuant to section 6172 . [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]

2. Washing or holding in closed areas. A person may not: A. Wash, hold or keep mahogany quahogs in an area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; or [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).] B. Possess, ship, transport or sell mahogany quahogs washed, held or kept in an area closed pursuant to section 6172 . [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]

3. Exception. This section does not apply to the taking of mahogany quahogs under the authority of section 6856 . [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11802 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11802
12 §11802. Baiting wild turkeys
Status: in_force

1. Prohibitions. From September 1st to December 15th and during the first open wild turkey hunting season established by the commissioner in that year pursuant to section 11701 , a person may not: A. Place any bait or food in a place to entice a wild turkey to that place; or [PL 2015, c. 301, §25 (NEW).] B. Hunt from an observation stand or blind overlooking bait or food known to be attractive to wild turkey. This prohibition does not apply to hunting from an observation stand or blind overlooking: (1) Standing crops; or (2) Foods that are left as a result of normal agricultural operations or as a result of a natural occurrence. [PL 2015, c. 301, §25 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 85, §5 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2015, c. 301, §25 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 9402 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9402
12 §9402. Report of fires
Status: in_force

All fires starting upon the right-of-way of any railroad or lands adjacent thereto shall be immediately reported to the forest ranger or town forest fire warden by any railroad employee stating the location and origin of such fire and, if the fire was started by a locomotive, the number thereof. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 544-M — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 544-M
12 §544-M. Liability of owners
Status: in_force

Recreational caving is a recreational or harvesting activity for the purposes of limited liability of landowners under Title 14, section 159-A . [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8702 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8702
12 §8702. Public shade trees
Status: in_force

To promote aesthetic and environmental values of trees to communities and to restore those values lost through death of trees from insect and disease depredation, soil depletion, adverse growth factors and old age, the director may enter into agreement with municipal officials and Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribal governments to pay, so far as funds are available, up to 50% of the costs of procuring young tree-planting stock and planting and general care of public shade trees. Whenever the State does contribute funds for this purpose, it shall have the authority to establish requirements for a municipal tree care program and requirements and procedures relative to selecting, planting, and care of such trees. This program is not intended to extend beyond village or community limits, except for municipal parks or cemeteries. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12054 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12054
12 §12054. Field trials; raccoon and rabbits
Status: in_force

1. Raccoon dog field trials. A person may hold raccoon dog field trials at any time. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Rabbit hound field trials. A person may not hold field trials for beagles and other rabbit hounds except from September 1st through the following April 10th. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation. [PL 2023, c. 431, §12 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).]

3. Sporting dog field trials. The licensing and conduct of sporting dog field trials is governed by section 12055 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6084 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6084
12 §6084. Nonpayment of aquaculture lease fees
Status: in_force

If a holder of an aquaculture lease or license under this subchapter fails to pay any related fees or charges, the commissioner may refuse to renew or issue any marine resources license or permit to the holder of the aquaculture lease or license. [PL 2009, c. 229, §11 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10851 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10851
12 §10851. Lifetime licenses
Status: in_force

1. Infants, youth and seniors. The following lifetime licenses may be purchased: A. For a person who is less than 6 years of age: (1) An infant lifetime fishing license. The fee for an infant lifetime fishing license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200; (2) An infant lifetime hunting license. The fee for an infant lifetime hunting license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200; (3) An infant lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for an infant lifetime archery hunting license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200; (3-A) An infant lifetime trapping license. The fee for an infant lifetime trapping license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200; (4) An infant combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for an infant combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $250 for a resident and $750 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $425; and (5) An infant combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for an infant combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $400 for a resident and $1,200 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $660; [PL 2011, c. 268, §1 (AMD).] B. For a person from 6 to 15 years of age: (1) A junior lifetime fishing license. The fee for a junior lifetime fishing license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident; (2) A junior lifetime hunting license. The fee for a junior lifetime hunting license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident; (3) A junior lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for a junior lifetime archery hunting license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident; (3-A) A junior lifetime trapping license. The fee for a junior lifetime trapping license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident; (4) A junior combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for a junior combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $500 for a resident and $1,500 for a nonresident; and (5) A junior combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for a junior combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $800 for a resident and $2,400 for a nonresident; [PL 2009, c. 404, §1 (AMD).] C. For a resident from 65 to 69 years of age: (1) A senior resident lifetime fishing license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime fishing license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; (2) A senior resident lifetime hunting license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime hunting license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; (3) A senior resident lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime archery hunting license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; (3-A) A senior resident lifetime trapping license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime trapping license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; (4) A senior resident combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for a senior resident combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $80 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $64 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $48 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $32 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $16 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; and (5) A senior resident combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for a senior resident combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $110 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $94 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $78 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $52 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $26 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; and [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §92 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. For a resident 70 years of age or older. For a person who holds a valid senior lifetime license under this section at any time during the calendar year that person turns 70 years of age, that lifetime license includes all hunting permits and licenses authorized in this Part and may renew at no cost a guide license under section 12853 . A license holder under this paragraph who qualifies to hunt during the expanded archery season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit and one either-sex permit. A person who is 70 years of age or older may purchase a senior lifetime license that entitles the holder to all the privileges described in this paragraph for a one-time $8 fee. [PL 2025, c. 333, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 333, §1 (AMD).]

A person must be a resident to purchase a senior resident lifetime license under subsection 1, paragraphs C and D . Once purchased, a lifetime license is valid for the life of the holder without regard to subsequent changes in the legal residence of the holder. The license entitles the holder to all fishing or hunting privileges extended to residents or nonresidents as applicable of that same age who hold the equivalent annual license and subjects the holder to all limitations and prerequisites on those fishing or hunting privileges that apply to residents or nonresidents of that same age who hold the equivalent annual license. [RR 2013, c. 2, §20 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12863 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 927 / Section 12863
12 §12863. Educational trip leader permit for schools and postsecondary educational institutions
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Educational institution" means a public school or private school, as those terms are defined in Title 20‑A, section 1 , a postsecondary educational institution or any other educational institution defined by the commissioner by rule under subsection 6 . [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] B. "Outdoor educational trip" means an educational or recreational outdoor trip conducted by an educational institution that includes nonmotorized boating or camping at a primitive camping area but does not include fishing, hunting, trapping or the use of snowmobiles, motorboats or all-terrain vehicles. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

2. Permit required. An educational institution conducting an outdoor educational trip shall provide for every 12 trip participants at least one educational trip leader who holds a permit under this section and who is associated with the educational institution or a person who holds a guide license issued under this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

3. Prohibition. A person who does not hold a guide license issued under this chapter may not conduct an outdoor educational trip under subsection 2 without an educational trip leader permit issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a civil violation for which a fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license or permit fee may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

4. Issuance of permit. The commissioner may issue or reissue an educational trip leader permit to a person who meets the qualifications established by the commissioner by rule under subsection 6 and who pays the fee established under subsection 5 . [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

5. Fee. The initial qualifying fee for a 5-year educational trip leader permit is $20. The permit may be renewed upon payment of $20 if the requirements of this section, including requirements in rules adopted under subsection 6 , are met. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

6. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section, including but not limited to rules establishing: A. An advisory committee made up of persons with relevant expertise to advise the commissioner in the implementation of this section; [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] B. Qualifications for a person seeking to obtain an educational trip leader permit, including appropriate preparatory training and any exceptions to such training based on a person's experience; [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] C. Qualifications and other necessary standards or requirements relating to persons or entities providing preparatory training in accordance with paragraph B ; [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] D. Procedures for reviewing and addressing complaints against persons or entities providing preparatory training to persons seeking to obtain educational trip leader permits as well as complaints against educational trip leader permit holders; and [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] E. Any other standards, conditions or procedures necessary for the effective implementation and enforcement of this section. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).] Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]

7. Enforcement. Wardens of the department and the rangers of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of Parks and Lands may enforce this section and may terminate any trip that is considered unsafe or in violation of this section. The commissioner, who shall take into consideration the advice of the advisory committee established in accordance with subsection 6, paragraph A , shall establish standards for what is considered an unsafe trip and shall consider previous violations of this section when issuing or reissuing educational trip leader permits. [PL 2021, c. 162, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12051 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12051
12 §12051. Training
Status: in_force

1. Open training season. Unless otherwise provided in this Part, a person may not train dogs on wild birds and wild animals except as follows. A. A person may train dogs on foxes, snowshoe hare, gray squirrels, red squirrels and raccoons from July 1st through the following March 31st, including Sundays. [PL 2023, c. 134, §1 (AMD).] B. A person may train sporting dogs on wild birds at any time, including Sundays. [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §16 (RPR).] C. A resident may train up to 6 dogs at any one time on bear from July 1st to the 4th day preceding the open season on hunting bear, except in those portions of Washington County and Hancock County that are situated south of Route 9. [PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §16 (RPR).] D. Notwithstanding paragraph C , in those portions of Washington County and Hancock County that are situated south of Route 9, a resident may train up to 6 dogs at any one time on bear from July 1st to the 4th day preceding the open season on hunting bear except that permission is required to train dogs on land used for wild blueberry production. [PL 2025, c. 27, §1 (AMD).] Except on Sundays, a person may not engage in activities authorized under this subsection unless that person possesses a valid hunting license issued under section 11109 . A person may train dogs on pen-raised birds at any time without a license. For the purpose of this subsection, "pen-raised birds" includes, but is not limited to, quail, pheasant, pigeons and Hungarian partridge. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation. [PL 2025, c. 27, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Open training season 2009-2010. [PL 2009, c. 76, §1 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §12051, sub-§1-A (RP).]

2. Rock dove permits. [PL 2013, c. 280, §12 (RP).]

2-A. Collar requirements. A person may not train a dog on bear, 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 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 580, §10 (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 2021, c. 580, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 580, §10 (NEW).]

2-B. Permit requirement. A person may not train a dog in pursuit of a bear, fox or raccoon unless that person has a valid dog training and hunting permit in accordance with section 11163 . A person who violates this subsection is subject to the penalties provided in section 11163 . [PL 2021, c. 580, §11 (NEW).]

3. Possessing firearm while training dogs. A person may not possess a firearm while training a dog outside of the open training season on foxes, snowshoe hare, gray squirrels, red squirrels and raccoons as set out in subsection 1, paragraph A . 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, §191 (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, §191 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2023, c. 134, §2 (AMD).]

4. Unlawful use of firearm during training or field trials. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §192 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Unlawful use of firearm during training or field trials. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a person may not possess during the training or field trials permitted in this section and section 12054 a firearm other than a blank pistol or shotgun loaded with blank ammunition, except during an open season for hunting. The commissioner may issue a permit to a person authorizing the use of firearms during the training of sporting dogs to shoot and kill wild birds propagated or legally acquired by the permittee and possessed in accordance with section 12152 . 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, §193 (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, §193 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §193 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Effect of revocation. A person may not train dogs under this section if that person has a suspended or revoked license pursuant to section 10902 . [PL 2013, c. 247, §2 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 286, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6434 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6434
12 §6434. Molesting lobster gear
Status: in_force

A person may not raise, lift, transfer, possess or in any manner molest any lobster trap, warp, buoy or car except as provided in this section. [PL 2003, c. 520, §5 (AMD).]

1. Permitted activities. Lobster traps, warps, buoys and cars may be raised, lifted, transferred, possessed or otherwise molested by the following: A. A marine patrol officer; [PL 1989, c. 428 (NEW).] B. The licensed owner; [PL 1989, c. 428 (NEW).] C. Any person having written permission from the commissioner; and [PL 2003, c. 520, §5 (AMD).] D. Any person authorized by rule pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 1989, c. 428 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 520, §5 (AMD).]

2. Adoption of rules required. The commissioner shall adopt rules, no later than January 1, 1990, authorizing the removal of traps, warps, buoys or cars that are washed up above the mean low tide mark or are otherwise abandoned or lost. Notwithstanding Title 25, sections 3502 and 3503 , the commissioner may dispose of such traps, warps, buoys or cars, or authorize their disposal, if the owner cannot be identified or if the owner has been notified and fails to respond within 30 days. [PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §13 (AMD).]

3. Using another's lobster gear; prohibition. Traps, warps, buoys or cars may not be used for fishing by any person other than the licensed owner unless that person has written permission from the commissioner. [PL 2007, c. 283, §1 (AMD).]

3-A. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime. [PL 2017, c. 197, §11 (AMD).]

4. Restitution. If a person violates this section by cutting a lobster trap line, the court shall: A. Order that person to pay to the owner of the trap line that was cut an amount equal to twice the replacement value of all traps lost as a result of that cutting; and [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. A, §15 (RPR).] B. Direct that person to provide proof of payment of that restitution to the commissioner as required by section 6402, subsection 1 . [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. A, §15 (RPR).] Restitution imposed under this subsection is in addition to any penalty imposed under subsection 3‑A . [PL 2009, c. 561, §17 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12152 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12152
12 §12152. Permit to possess wildlife in captivity
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §201 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. Permit required. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, a person may not import wildlife into or possess wildlife in the State or receive or possess wildlife imported into the State. The department shall maintain a list of unregulated fish and wildlife species for which a permit under this section is not required that is available to the public. 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 permit fee must be imposed. The commissioner may grant a permit to introduce, import, transport, receive or possess fish or gametes in accordance with the provisions of section 12509 . [PL 2017, c. 205, §14 (AMD).]

1-B. Exemption. Notwithstanding subsection 1‑A , a reptile, amphibian or invertebrate that is native to the State and not listed by the department as threatened or endangered or as a species of special concern may be captured from the wild in the State and possessed without a permit. Possession limits for each species are as follows: A. Amphibians, up to 5 specimens of each species; [PL 2017, c. 205, §15 (NEW).] B. Reptiles, up to 2 specimens of each species; and [PL 2017, c. 205, §15 (NEW).] C. Invertebrates, no specimen limits. [PL 2017, c. 205, §15 (NEW).] Animals captured under this subsection must be kept in a manner that does not permit contact between those animals and any other animal that is not naturally present in the wild in this State. If an animal captured under this subsection is released back into the wild, the animal must be released in or near the same location where the animal was captured. Importation into the State of a reptile, amphibian or invertebrate exempted under this subsection is prohibited without a permit. Exhibition, propagation or export or sale for commercial purposes is prohibited without a permit. A person may not export, sell or otherwise use for commercial purposes any animal captured under this subsection unless the person holds an applicable permit for that use. [PL 2021, c. 65, §3 (AMD).]

2. Affected species. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, this section applies to the possession of any wildlife regulated by the State that is held in captivity and to the importation of wildlife from an area outside the State, including: A. All species listed under state law as threatened or endangered; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. All species other than those listed in paragraph A not included on a list of unregulated, nonnative species that is maintained by the commissioner to facilitate the issuance of importation permits; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Species identified in rules adopted by the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The commissioner may adopt rules that classify wildlife into categories as described in subsection 3‑D for purposes of determining applicable fees under this section. The rules must, at a minimum, include the list of unrestricted, nonnative species as provided in paragraph B , a category of wildlife that is endangered or threatened or presents a risk to humans, a category of wildlife that requires special housing or care and a category of prohibited species for which a permit is not issued under any circumstances. [PL 2017, c. 205, §16 (AMD).]

3. Issuance. The commissioner may issue a permit to a person permitting the introduction, importation, possession and use of wildlife in accordance with the provisions of subsection 5 . A. [PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] B. [PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] C. [PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] D. [PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] [PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. A, §8 (RPR).]

3-A. Restrictions. A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize the permittee to: A. Possess, propagate or sell deer, bear, moose, wild turkey, hybrid wild turkey or wild turkey-domestic turkey cross nor does it authorize the permittee to possess, propagate or sell any wild animal taken in accordance with section 12401 , 12402 or 12404 ; or [PL 2019, c. 639, §7 (AMD).] B. Import any species of wild turkey, hybrid wild turkey or wild turkey-domestic turkey cross or the eggs of these species. [PL 2015, c. 374, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §7 (AMD).]

3-B. Application fees. [PL 2017, c. 205, §17 (RP).]

3-C. Issuance for unpermitted wildlife. The commissioner may issue a permit under this section to a person who possesses wildlife without a permit for which a permit is required if the possession would have been allowed had the person applied for a permit before importing or possessing the wildlife. A person issued a permit under this subsection must pay a fee of $500 in addition to the applicable application fee and permit fee. A person issued a permit under this subsection may not be charged with a penalty under section 12151 . The commissioner may issue a notice of corrective action to a person issued a permit under this subsection informing the person of the requirement to fully comply with application and permit conditions and that failure to comply may result in denial of future permits. [PL 2019, c. 652, §1 (AMD).]

3-D. Permit types; application fees; permit fees. An applicant for a permit under this section shall submit a written application on a form specified by the commissioner. The application must be accompanied by the applicable nonrefundable application fee. The following permits may be issued by the commissioner: A. A category 1 restricted species importation permit, which allows the holder to import wildlife that is endangered or threatened or presents a risk to humans into the State. The following fees apply to a permit under this paragraph: (1) Application fee, $250; and (2) Permit fee, $27; [PL 2017, c. 205, §18 (NEW).] B. A category 1 restricted species exhibition permit, which allows the holder to exhibit wildlife for commercial purposes that is endangered or threatened or presents a risk to humans or that requires special housing or care. A category 1 restricted species exhibition permit does not allow the holder to exhibit wolf hybrids, as defined in Title 7, section 3907, subsection 30 . A category 1 restricted species exhibition permit expires 2 years from the date of issuance. The following fees apply to a permit under this paragraph: (1) Application fee, $250; and (2) Permit fee, $150; [PL 2017, c. 205, §18 (NEW).] C. A category 2 restricted species importation permit, which allows the holder to import wildlife that requires special housing or care. The following fees apply to a permit under this paragraph: (1) Application fee, $100; and (2) Permit fee, $27; [PL 2017, c. 205, §18 (NEW).] D. A category 2 restricted species possession permit, which allows the holder to possess wildlife that requires special housing or care. A category 2 restricted species possession permit expires 2 years from the date of issuance. The following fees apply to a permit under this paragraph: (1) Application fee, $27; and (2) Permit fee, $27; [PL 2017, c. 205, §18 (NEW).] E. A wildlife rehabilitation permit, which allows the holder to possess debilitated or orphaned wildlife and rehabilitate that wildlife and release it into the wild as soon as the wildlife is rehabilitated or euthanize that wildlife in accordance with humane euthanization procedures if rehabilitation and release are not possible. A wildlife rehabilitation permit is available at no cost and expires on December 31st of the 2nd complete year after the date of issuance; [PL 2019, c. 355, §6 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 501, §9 (AMD).] F. A research permit, which allows the holder to import and possess wildlife that is endangered or threatened or presents a risk to humans or that requires special housing or care to conduct scientific research or to use for educational purposes. A research permit is available at no cost and expires 2 years from the date of issuance; and [PL 2017, c. 205, §18 (NEW).] G. An educational and scientific collection permit, which allows the holder to hunt, trap, possess, band and transport wildlife from within the State for educational or scientific purposes. An educational and scientific permit is not required to hunt, trap, possess, band or transport an invertebrate that is not listed by the department as endangered or threatened or as a species of special concern. An educational and scientific collection permit is available at no cost and expires one year from the date of issuance. [PL 2021, c. 65, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 65, §4 (AMD).]

4. Permit fees. [PL 2017, c. 205, §19 (RP).]

4-A. Renewal. A permit holder who wishes to renew a permit issued under this section must renew the permit prior to its expiration date. The department may assess a late fee of $25, in addition to the required permit fee, to a person who does not renew a permit prior to its expiration date. [PL 2015, c. 374, §9 (NEW).]

5. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including provisions to ensure that all wildlife possessed under these permits receives humane treatment and proper husbandry and security, and to safeguard the interests of the wildlife and citizens of the State. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . Rules adopted may include but are not limited to rules that: A. Maintain updated inspection provisions for applicants attempting to acquire a permit to possess or introduce, import and possess fish or wildlife in captivity; [PL 2015, c. 374, §10 (NEW).] B. Maintain a fee structure to establish fees for inspection provisions for regulated species; [PL 2015, c. 374, §10 (NEW).] C. Provide a process that allows authorized independent contractors to meet with permit applicants to educate applicants on minimum standard facility requirements and to inspect current facilities to recommend approval or denial of a permit; and [PL 2015, c. 374, §10 (NEW).] D. Charge a responsible party for the cost incurred to remove or euthanize unpermitted regulated fish or wildlife species. [PL 2015, c. 374, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 374, §10 (AMD).]

6. Additional permit requirements. In addition to the provisions adopted under subsection 3 , the commissioner may assign permit conditions or requirements designed to mitigate potential impacts or risks that may arise from the possession of specific wildlife species or to ensure the humane treatment or proper husbandry for specific species. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Escaped wildlife prohibition; penalty. The following provisions apply to escaped wildlife. A. A person may not allow wildlife in captivity to escape that person's possession or control in violation of: (1) Rules adopted pursuant to subsection 5 ; or (2) An additional permit condition or requirement assigned pursuant to subsection 6 . [PL 2017, c. 285, §2 (NEW).] B. Notwithstanding section 12151, subsection 2 , a person who violates paragraph A commits: (1) A Class E crime if the wildlife is permitted in accordance with this section and the permit holder does not immediately notify a law enforcement officer that the wildlife has escaped; (2) A Class E crime if the wildlife is not permitted in accordance with this section and the person immediately notifies a law enforcement officer that the wildlife has escaped; or (3) A Class D crime if the wildlife is not permitted in accordance ith this section and the person does not immediately notify a law enforcement officer that the wildlife has escaped. [PL 2017, c. 285, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 285, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12910 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 929 / Section 12910
12 §12910. Safety; order of launch; safety committee
Status: in_force

1. Whitewater trip safety restrictions. The commissioner shall by rule establish safety restrictions for whitewater trips. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . A person who violates safety restrictions established pursuant to this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §331 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Order of launch. Launch order of commercial whitewater outfitters on a particular river or portion of river may be determined and enforced by the department to protect public health and safety. The department shall provide for the outfitters to choose, in the order of their first documented dates of continuous commercial operation on the particular river or portion of river, their preferred launch positions. To facilitate that determination, each outfitter shall submit a sworn affidavit to the department stating the date the outfitter first began continuous commercial operation. A. A commercial whitewater outfitter shall comply with any order of launch established by the department under this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §332 (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 $100 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 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §332 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §332 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Whitewater Safety Committee. [PL 2007, c. 651, §15 (RP).]

4. Safety reports. [PL 2007, c. 651, §16 (RP).]

5. Penalties. [PL 2007, c. 651, §17 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 54-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 54-A
12 §54-A. Budget
Status: in_force

That part of the department's budget that pertains to the operations of the soil and water conservation districts must be separately identified as a major budget area within the department's budget. [PL 1995, c. 532, §14 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8885 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8885
12 §8885. Reports by forest landowners
Status: in_force

1. Harvest report. Except as provided in subsection 1‑A , an owner of forest land who sells forest products or harvests forest products for that owner's commercial use shall submit a report to the director stating the species, volume and stumpage price per unit of measure for each transaction, the municipality or township where the stumpage was located, the estimated acreage of the harvest, the harvest method employed and the extent of whole-tree harvesting of both solid and chipped wood. For lump-sum sales, the purchaser shall be responsible for submitting the report. [PL 1997, c. 720, §14 (AMD).]

1-A. Alternate harvest report. The director may develop alternate forms for or methods of collecting harvest information from landowners who do not harvest timber on a regular basis. The director shall define landowners subject to the provisions of this subsection and provide report forms pursuant to section 8883‑B, subsection 3 . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §46 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2. Precommercial silvicultural practices report. Owners of forest land on which precommercial silvicultural practices have been performed on more than 10 acres in any year shall report these practices to the director. [PL 1989, c. 555, §12 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 600, Pt. B, §11 (AFF).]

2-A. Report on clear-cuts. When timber harvesting produces a clear-cut as defined in section 8868 , the landowner shall report to the director the acreage of the clear-cut and the purpose of the clear-cut. [PL 1997, c. 720, §16 (NEW).]

2-B. Report on forest carbon program or project. A landowner or the landowner's designated agent shall submit a report to the director whenever any portion of the landowner's forest land located in the State is enrolled in a forest carbon program or project. The report must include the following information: A. The name of the forest carbon program or project and the name of the forest carbon project developer, if different from the landowner; [PL 2025, c. 96, §4 (NEW).] B. The name of the voluntary or regulatory forest carbon protocol or registry and the forest carbon program or project identification number in the registry, if known; [PL 2025, c. 96, §4 (NEW).] C. The legal name and contact information of the landowner or landowners as of the date of enrollment in the forest carbon program or project; [PL 2025, c. 96, §4 (NEW).] D. The period of enrollment in the forest carbon program or project of the affected forest land; and [PL 2025, c. 96, §4 (NEW).] E. The total forest acreage enrolled in the forest carbon program or project by town, township or plantation. [PL 2025, c. 96, §4 (NEW).] A landowner that enrolled in a forest carbon program or project prior to September 24, 2025 must file the report required pursuant to this subsection by July 1, 2026. [RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §24 (COR).]

3. Reports. Reports required under subsections 1 , 2 , 2‑A and 2‑B are due during the month of January for the preceding year. If the period of cutting under subsection 1 or 2 or 2‑A extends beyond December 31st of any calendar year, a report must be submitted during the month of January for the preceding year. A person filing a harvest notification form pursuant to section 8883‑B must complete and return to the bureau a harvest report whether or not the landowner has harvested that year. [PL 2025, c. 96, §5 (AMD).]

4. Confidentiality. Information contained in reports filed under this section may not be made public, except that summary reports may be published that use aggregated data that do not reveal the activities of an individual person or firm. Forms submitted pursuant to this section must be available for the use of the State Tax Assessor for the administration of Title 36 . [PL 2009, c. 568, §1 (AMD).]

5. Disclosure. Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the disclosure of information to duly authorized officers of the United States and of other states, districts and territories of the United States and of the provinces and Dominion of Canada. The information shall be given only on the written request of the duly authorized officer when that officer's government permits the exchange of similar information with the taxing officials of this State and when that officer agrees that the information shall be used only for tax collection purposes. [PL 1989, c. 555, §12 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 600, Pt. B, §11 (AFF).]

6. Failure to submit report; penalty. Failure to submit reports pursuant to this section constitutes a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each failure may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §48 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11227 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11227
12 §11227. Placement of bait for hunting
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Bait" means an animal or plant or a part of an animal or plant used to attract wild animals for the purpose of hunting. "Bait" does not include: (1) A derivative of an animal or plant in a liquid or paste form, including but not limited to urine or commercially prepared lures or scents; or (2) Packaging or container materials that fall within the definition of "litter" under Title 17, section 2263, subsection 2 . [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] B. "Bait site" means the place where the bait has been placed and the immediate surrounding area. [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]

1-A. Prohibited bait. Notwithstanding any authorization to use or place bait or bear bait under this Part, a person may not place a medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance to entice an animal to that place. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2015, c. 301, §18 (NEW).]

2. Placement of bait. A person may not place or hunt over bait without the oral or written permission of the landowner or the landowner's agent. The bait site must be plainly labeled with a 2-inch-by-4-inch tag identifying the name and address of the person establishing the bait site. This subsection does not apply to bear baiting, which is governed by section 11301 . 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 2009, c. 70, §1 (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 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 432, §1 (AMD).]

3. Hunting over another's bait. A person may not hunt at a bait site established by another person unless that person has permission from the person that established the bait site. 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 2009, c. 70, §1 (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 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]

4. Bait site cleanup. A person placing bait may not leave the bait or bait label at the bait site and must clean up the bait site immediately after the landowner requests the removal of that bait or, if not requested by the landowner, within 20 days from the last day the bait site was hunted over by the person that established the bait site. 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 2009, c. 70, §1 (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 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]

5. Litter at bait sites. A person establishing a bait site under this section is subject to the littering provisions of Title 17, chapter 80 . [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]

6. Construction. Nothing in this section authorizes hunting of wild animals that is otherwise prohibited by law or rule. [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]

7. Applicability. This section does not apply to: A. Bear baiting under section 11301 ; or [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] B. Placing of bait on the ice of inland waters. [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 70, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 549-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 549-C
12 §549-C. Compliance with regulatory laws
Status: in_force

Nothing in this subchapter may be deemed to relieve any explorer or mining lessee from the obligation to comply with all applicable environmental or other regulatory laws and rules of the State. [PL 1985, c. 201, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10267 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10267
12 §10267. ATV Enforcement Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The ATV Enforcement Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established in the Bureau of Warden Service to be used by the Game Warden Colonel for the purposes established in subsection 2 . All funds collected by the department pursuant to this section must be deposited in the fund. Unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year are nonlapsing and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year to be used for the same purposes. [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).]

2. Fund uses. The Game Warden Colonel may use money in the fund only for: A. Supplementing other funds appropriated to the enforcement operations program; [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).] B. Regular or overtime personnel services costs of the warden service related to enforcement of ATV laws; [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).] C. Safety or other education programs conducted by the department or authorized by the department that are related to the operation of ATVs; or [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).] D. The purchase of equipment or machinery determined by the Game Warden Colonel as necessary for effective ATV safety and enforcement activities. [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 75, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12260 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12260
12 §12260. Trapping bear
Status: in_force

1. Open and closed season. There is an open season on trapping bear from September 1st to October 31st annually. A. The commissioner may shorten the open season on bear in any part of the State as long as: (1) The demarcation of the areas with a shortened season follows recognizable physical boundaries such as rivers and railroad rights-of-way; and (2) The decision is made and published prior to February 1st of any year. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The commissioner may terminate the open season on bear at any time in any part of the State if, in the commissioner's opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or severe hunting or trapping pressure. [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).]

2. Unlawful trapping of bear. A person may not catch a bear in a trap and cause or allow another person to kill or register that bear. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §222 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Setting bear traps. Setting traps for bear is governed by this subsection. A. A person may use a cable trap with a closing diameter of not less than 2 1/2 inches to trap bear in the State during the open season on bear. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. A person may not set a bear trap other than a cable trap or a cage-type trap as authorized by the commissioner. [PL 2011, c. 253, §26 (AMD).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2011, c. 253, §26 (AMD).]

4. Trapping bear after having killed one. [PL 2021, c. 100, §8 (RP); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]

5. Exceeding bag limit on bears. [PL 2021, c. 100, §9 (RP); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]

6. Trapping bear near dumps. Trapping bear near dumps is governed by this subsection. A. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, shall establish a line of demarcation at least 500 yards from sites permitted or licensed for the disposal of solid waste. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §223 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person may not trap within the demarcation area established under paragraph A . The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, is exempt from this prohibition for the purpose of live trapping of nuisance bears. (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates subparagraph (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. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §22 (COR).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §22 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12903 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 929 / Section 12903
12 §12903. River management objectives
Status: in_force

The following objectives are established for management of rapidly flowing rivers for the benefit of the people of the State: [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Safety and health requirements. To ensure that safety and health requirements are met by all river users; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Minimize environmental impact. To minimize environmental impact on the rivers and the river corridors, including access roads; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Recreational use. To allow a reasonable level of recreational use; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Quality wilderness experience. To maintain a quality wilderness experience on the rivers; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Multiple uses. To minimize conflicts between different uses of the rivers in order to allow for multiple use; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Diversity of whitewater experiences and services. To encourage a diversity of whitewater trip experiences and services; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. River use and impact. To monitor river use and its impact; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Communication. To encourage open communication with all river users, both groups and individuals, on river management matters; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

9. System of allocating river use. To provide a system of allocating river use that is simple and fair and that meets the specific goals of section 12913 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10054 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10054
12 §10054. Bureau of Warden Service
Status: in_force

The Bureau of Warden Service is established within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It is equal in organizational level and status with other major organizational units within the department or its successors. The bureau is administered by a director who is immediately responsible to the deputy commissioner. The director is the Game Warden Colonel and is employed pursuant to section 10103, subsection 3 and Title 5, chapter 71 , which are applicable to this position. The director possesses full authority and responsibility for administering all the powers and duties of the bureau, subject to the direction of the commissioner and except as otherwise provided by statute. The responsibilities of the bureau include, but are not limited to: [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §19 (COR).]

1. General enforcement. Enforcement of laws or rules as designated by this Part, or as specified; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Wildlife and fisheries enforcement. Enforcement of laws and department rules pertaining to the management and protection of inland fisheries and wildlife resources as further designated by section 10353 ; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Snowmobile, watercraft and all-terrain vehicle enforcement. Enforcement of laws and department rules pertaining to the registration and operation of snowmobiles, watercraft and all-terrain vehicles; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §15 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Search and rescue. The coordination and implementation of all search and rescue operations as specified under section 10105, subsection 4 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Safety. Assistance with programs for hunter safety and for the safe operation of snowmobiles, watercraft and all-terrain vehicles; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Data collection. The collection of data as needed for the management and protection of the inland fisheries and wildlife resources; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Other. Such responsibilities as specified in state law. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §16 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]