12 M.R.S. § 9601 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9601
12 §9601. Spark arrester
Status: in_force

1. Illegal operation. A person is guilty of illegal operation of power-driven equipment if that person knowingly: A. Operates power-driven equipment in, through or within 1,000 feet of forest lands without an approved spark arrester; [PL 1989, c. 174, §7 (NEW).] B. Requires the operation of power-driven equipment in, through or within 1,000 feet of forest lands without an approved spark arrester; or [PL 1989, c. 174, §7 (NEW).] C. Permits the operation of power-driven equipment owned by that person in, through or within 1,000 feet of forest lands without an approved spark arrester. [PL 1989, c. 174, §7 (NEW).] For the purposes of this section, "power-driven equipment" means vehicles, tools or other equipment with an internal combustion engine, but does not include boat motors. Notwithstanding section 9701 , any person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. In addition, if the State proves that while in violation of this section fires resulting from that person's power-driven equipment resulted in fire suppression costs to municipal or State Government, the court, as part of any sentence imposed, may, pursuant to Title 17‑A, chapter 69 , order restitution to be paid to the government entities incurring the suppression costs in an amount not to exceed the limitations established in section 9321 . [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §18 (AMD).]

2. Approved spark arresters. Spark arresters shall be approved by the director if judged effective to prevent the escape of sparks, carbon deposits or other substances likely to cause fires. The director may permit the use of spark arresters certified by the United States Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. [PL 1989, c. 174, §7 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6083 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6083
12 §6083. Lease option
Status: in_force

1. Lease option. A person may apply for a lease option that conveys the right to file an application for an aquaculture lease under section 6072 , 6072‑A or 6072‑B for a particular area of the submerged lands of the State and for a defined period of time. The department may not accept an application for an aquaculture lease pursuant to section 6072 , 6072‑A or 6072‑B or an application for a limited-purpose aquaculture license pursuant to section 6072‑C in an area that is under a lease option, except as described in subsection 2 . [PL 2009, c. 229, §10 (NEW).]

2. Other claims of preference. A lease option under this section does not supersede the provisions for application preference in section 6072, subsection 8 and section 6072‑A, subsection 12 . Competing aquaculture lease applications from persons claiming preference under section 6072, subsection 8 or section 6072‑A, subsection 12 must be evaluated by the department to determine if the claim of preference is valid and, if it is found to be valid, the holder of the lease option may cancel the lease option and receive a fee refund prorated for the remainder of the term of the lease option. [PL 2009, c. 229, §10 (NEW).]

3. Issuance criteria. The applicant for a lease option under this section must demonstrate that the site is being assessed in good faith for its suitability for aquaculture and that there is a reasonable likelihood that an application for an aquaculture lease will be filed during the term of the lease option. The area proposed for lease option may not contain an existing aquaculture lease or license or include an area that is part of an aquaculture lease or license application under consideration by the department. [PL 2009, c. 229, §10 (NEW).]

4. Fee. The fee for issuance of a lease option under this section may be up to $500 for the first acre plus up to $50 for each additional acre, the amount to be established in rules adopted by the commissioner. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 229, §10 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8867-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8867-A
12 §8867-A. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may adopt rules to implement this subchapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. D, §9 (AMD).]

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall consult with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure that rules adopted under this subchapter are consistent with wildlife habitat and environmental protection. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. D, §9 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10701 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 911 / Section 10701
12 §10701. Hunting under the influence; operating watercraft, snowmobile or ATV under the influence
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §73 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. Prohibition. Prohibitions against hunting and operating under the influence are as follows. A. A person may not hunt wild animals or wild birds: (1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs; (2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; or (3) If less than 21 years of age, while having an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath. [PL 2009, c. 447, §5 (AMD).] B. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a watercraft: (1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs; (2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; or (3) If less than 21 years of age, while having an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath. [PL 2009, c. 447, §5 (AMD).] C. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a snowmobile: (1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs; (2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; or (3) If less than 21 years of age, while having an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath. [PL 2009, c. 447, §5 (AMD).] D. A person may not operate or attempt to operate an ATV: (1) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs; (2) If 21 years of age or older, while having 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; or (3) If less than 21 years of age, while having an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath. [PL 2009, c. 447, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 447, §5 (AMD).]

2. Possession of hunting equipment while intoxicated. The possession of hunting equipment in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice in the State by a person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is prima facie evidence that the possessor is in violation of subsection 1‑A, paragraph A . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime. In determining an appropriate sentence, refusal to submit to a chemical test must in every case be an aggravating factor. In the following cases the following minimum penalties apply. A. In the case of a person having no previous convictions of a violation of subsection 1‑A within the previous 6-year period, the fine may not be less than $400. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure to comply with the duty to submit to and complete an alcohol test under section 10702, subsection 1 , the fine may not be less than $500. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not less than 48 hours, none of which may be suspended, when the person: (1) Was tested as having an alcohol level of 0.15 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; (2) Failed or refused to stop upon request or signal of an officer in uniform, pursuant to section 6953 or 10651 , during the operation that resulted in prosecution for operating under the influence or with an alcohol level of 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath; or (3) Failed to submit to a chemical test to determine that person's alcohol level or drug concentration, requested by a law enforcement officer on the occasion that resulted in the conviction. [PL 2009, c. 447, §6 (AMD).] B. In the case of a person having one previous conviction of a violation of subsection 1‑A within the previous 6-year period, the fine may not be less than $600. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure to comply with the duty to submit to and complete an alcohol level or drug concentration test under section 10702, subsection 1 , the fine may not be less than $800. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not less than 7 days, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2009, c. 447, §7 (AMD).] C. In the case of a person having 2 or more previous convictions of violations of subsection 1‑A within the previous 6-year period, the fine may not be less than $1,000. If that person was adjudicated within the previous 6-year period for failure to comply with the duty to submit to and complete an alcohol level or drug concentration test under section 10702, subsection 1 , the fine may not be less than $1,300. A conviction under this paragraph must include a period of incarceration of not less than 30 days, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2009, c. 447, §8 (AMD).] D. In addition to the penalties provided under paragraphs A to C , the court may order the defendant to participate in the alcohol and other drug education, evaluation and treatment programs for multiple offenders administered by the Department of Health and Human Services under Title 5, chapter 521 . [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. AA, §55 (AMD).] E. The penalties provided under paragraphs B , C and D may not be suspended by the court. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. If the State pleads and proves that, while hunting or operating a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or watercraft in violation of this section, the defendant in fact caused serious bodily injury as defined in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 23 , to another person or in fact caused the death of another person, the sentencing class for the offenses in subsection 1‑A is Class C. The minimum penalties specified in this subsection apply, unless a longer minimum period otherwise applies. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §75 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] Any alternatives defined in subsection 1‑A may be pleaded in the alternative. The State may, but is not required to, elect an alternative prior to submission to the fact finder. For purposes of this subsection, a prior conviction has occurred within the 6-year period if the date of docket entry by the clerk of a judgment of conviction or adjudication is 6 years or less from the date of the new conduct that is penalized or for which the penalty is or may be enhanced. In determining the appropriate sentence, the court shall consider the defendant's record of convictions for hunting under the influence or operating a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or watercraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and for failure to comply with the duty to submit. The court may rely upon oral representations based on records maintained by the courts, by the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification; by the Secretary of State, including telecommunications of records maintained by the Secretary of State; or by the department. If the defendant disputes the accuracy of any representation concerning a conviction or adjudication, the court shall grant a continuance for the purposes of determining the accuracy of the record. References in this Title to this subsection are deemed to include reference to the juvenile crime stated in Title 15, section 3103, subsection 1, paragraph A for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would be defined as criminal under this section and to the disposition, including a suspension, for that juvenile crime as provided in Title 15, section 3314 , except as otherwise provided or when the context clearly requires otherwise. [PL 2025, c. 431, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6431-F — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6431-F
12 §6431-F. Trap tags
Status: in_force

1. Trap tag limits. The following provisions govern trap tag limits. A. [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).] B. Each year, a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license holder may purchase a number of trap tags that is not greater than 100 more than the number the license holder purchased for the previous license year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1‑A . [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).]

2. Exceptions. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , the following trap tag limits apply: A. If the license holder was issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license for the first time after meeting the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422 , the license holder may not purchase more than 300 trap tags for the initial license year. For each following year, the license holder may purchase up to an increase of 100 trap tags each year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1‑A ; and [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] B. [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).] C. If the license holder was issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license on appeal, the license holder may purchase for the initial license year a number of trap tags up to the number of trap tags purchased by the person for the most recent year in which the person held a license. For each following year, the license holder may purchase up to an increase of 100 trap tags each year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1‑A . [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).]

3. Appeal of trap tag denial. [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).]

4. Trap limit. A person may not submerge a number of traps greater than the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the lobster management zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1‑A . [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).]

5. Repeal. [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6021 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6021
12 §6021. Purpose
Status: in_force

The Department of Marine Resources is established to conserve and develop marine and estuarine resources; to conduct and sponsor scientific research; to promote and develop the Maine coastal fishing industries; to advise and cooperate with local, state and federal officials concerning activities in coastal waters; and to implement, administer and enforce the laws and regulations necessary for these enumerated purposes, as well as the exercise of all authority conferred by this Part. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6973 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 631 / Section 6973
12 §6973. Designation of marine species as state endangered or state threatened
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner's authority. The commissioner may recommend a marine species found in the State for designation as a state endangered or state threatened marine species if that species is listed as an endangered or threatened species by the United States Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public Law 93-205, as amended. [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

2. Modification to list. The commissioner may recommend that a marine species designated as a state endangered or state threatened species be removed from the list in section 6975 or recommend other changes to that list. [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

3. Public notice and hearings. Prior to recommending an addition, deletion or other change to the list of state endangered and state threatened marine species in section 6975 , the commissioner shall provide for public notice and public hearings on that proposed recommendation in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 . [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12663-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12663-B
12 §12663-B. Unlawful sale of lead sinkers and lead jigs
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (RP).] B. "Lead sinker" means a device that contains lead that is designed to be attached to a fishing line and intended to sink the line and does not include artificial lures, ice‑fishing sounders, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (AMD).] C. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (RP).] D. "Lead jig" means a hook with a lead weight molded to it, regardless of whether it is painted, coated or covered by some other substance or by attached skirts. "Lead jig" does not include a fishing-related item, including, but not limited to, lead-core line, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs or flies. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (AMD).]

2. Sale of lead sinker, bare lead jig or painted lead jig. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (RP).]

3. Offer lead sinker, bare lead jig or painted lead jig for sale. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (RP).]

4. Sell or offer for sale lead sinker or lead jig. This subsection governs the sale or offering for sale of lead sinkers and lead jigs. A. A person may not sell or offer for sale a lead sinker or unpainted lead jig that: (1) Weighs one ounce or less; or (2) Measures 2 1/2 inches or less in length. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (NEW).] C. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11851 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11851
12 §11851. Hunting or trapping wild birds
Status: in_force

1. Unlawfully hunting or trapping wild birds. A person may not hunt or trap a wild bird, other than the English or European house sparrow, the rock pigeon, also known as the rock dove, and the European starling, except as provided in this Part. [PL 2019, c. 355, §4 (AMD).]

2. Unlawful possession of wild birds. A person may not possess, alive or dead, a wild bird, other than the English or European house sparrow, the rock pigeon, also known as the rock dove, and the European starling, except as provided in this Part. [PL 2019, c. 355, §4 (AMD).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §184 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11108-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11108-C
12 §11108-C. Eligibility and restrictions for a junior hunting license
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Junior hunter supervisor" means: (1) The parent or guardian of the junior hunter who holds or has held a valid Maine hunting license or successfully completed a hunter safety course that meets the requirements of section 11105 ; or (2) A person 18 years of age or older who: (a) Is approved by the parent or guardian of the junior hunter; and (b) Holds or has held a valid Maine hunting license or successfully completed a hunter safety course that meets the requirements of section 11105 . [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).] 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, §20 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).]

2. Junior hunter eligibility. A resident or nonresident who is under 16 years of age may obtain a junior hunting license, which allows that person to hunt subject to the conditions set out in this section. [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).]

3. Junior hunter supervisor required. A hunter who is at least 10 years of age and under 16 years of age may not hunt unless that person holds a junior hunting license and is in the presence of and under the effective control of a junior hunter supervisor. A hunter who is under 10 years of age may not hunt unless that person holds a junior hunting license and is in the presence of and under the effective control of a junior hunter supervisor who remains at all times within 20 feet of that hunter. [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).]

4. Supervision of junior hunters 16 years of age. A hunter 16 years of age who obtained a junior hunting license before that person reached 16 years of age may not hunt with that license unless the person is in the presence of and under the effective control of a junior hunter supervisor or the person has successfully completed a hunter safety course established under section 10108 specific to the method of hunting authorized by the license. The following penalties apply to a violation of this subsection: 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; and [PL 2013, c. 538, §20 (NEW).] B. A person who violates paragraph A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 538, §20 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).]

5. Expiration of junior hunting license issued to person 15 years of age. A junior hunting license issued to a person who is 15 years of age is valid through the calendar year for which the license is issued. Beginning January 1, 2016, for those persons who obtain a junior hunting license and turn 16 years of age during the same calendar year, a pheasant hunting permit, an archery hunting license and a migratory waterfowl permit are included even after the person has turned 16 years of age as long as that person is hunting on that person's valid junior hunting license and not longer than the remainder of the calendar year for which the license is issued. In addition to the requirements of subsection 4 , all other permit requirements applicable to a person who is 16 years of age or older apply to a person who continues to hunt with a junior hunting license under this subsection after reaching that person's 16th birthday. [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. D, §2 (AMD).]

6. Penalties for supervisors of junior hunters. A person who is the junior hunter supervisor of a holder of a valid junior hunting license when that junior hunter violates any provision of this Part pertaining to hunting: A. Commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; and [PL 2013, c. 538, §20 (NEW).] B. After having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period, commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 538, §20 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §6 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 5305 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 433 / Section 5305
12 §5305. Report; evaluation
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in section 5304 , the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, in consultation with the advisory committee under section 5306 , shall develop an evaluation and longitudinal study on current and future demographics of students participating in the program for the purpose of ensuring equitable access and to understand the effects of outdoor education on emotional, educational and career trajectories of students who have participated in the program. Beginning March 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service shall submit a report regarding the study to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, inland fisheries and wildlife matters and agriculture, conservation and forestry matters. The report must include an emphasis on information regarding the accessibility of the program from a geographic, economic, ethnic and disability perspective and the program's effect on state workforce goals. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8901 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 8901
12 §8901. Forest rangers
Status: in_force

1. Appointment. The Director of the Bureau of Forestry shall appoint forest rangers, subject to the Civil Service Law and the State Supervisor of the forest protection unit of the Bureau of Forestry. Rangers assigned to posts at Clayton Lake, St. Pamphile, Estcourt Station, Daaquam, Musquacook Lake, Snare Brook and Baker Lake must be bilingual in French and English. A. The forest protection unit of the Bureau of Forestry shall employ no fewer than 45 and no more than 50 forest rangers classified as Forest Ranger II to serve as wildfire control specialists and forestry law enforcement officers, and no fewer than 16 forest rangers classified as follows: 3 Regional Rangers, 8 District Rangers, one Forest Fire Prevention Specialist, one Ranger Pilot Supervisor and 3 Ranger Pilots. Each forest ranger and the state supervisor of the forest protection unit of the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry must meet the training requirements of Title 25, section 2804‑L . [PL 2017, c. 456, §1 (AMD).] B. The state supervisor of the forest protection unit of the Bureau of Forestry, as Chief Forest Ranger, must be appointed from among the forest rangers of the department and must be qualified by training and experience in wildfire protection and law enforcement. In the event that the Chief Forest Ranger is not reappointed, the Chief Forest Ranger has the right to be restored to the position from which the Chief Forest Ranger was promoted or to a position equivalent in salary grade, without impairment of personnel status or the loss of seniority, retirement or other rights to which uninterrupted service in the previous position would have entitled the former Chief Forest Ranger. If service as Chief Forest Ranger is terminated for cause, the right to be restored to that previous or an equivalent position must be determined by the State Civil Service Appeals Board. [PL 2021, c. 34, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 34, §1 (AMD).]

2. Powers and duties. Forest rangers and the state supervisor shall: A. Subject to supervision of the director, supervise the state wildfire control program, including personnel and facilities of all types; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] B. Have the final on-site authority and responsibility for the control of wildfires; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] C. Develop and carry out a comprehensive program of wildfire prevention education and training of persons at all levels of command in order to meet supervisory needs during wildfire emergencies; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] D. Enforce Title 36, chapter 701 relating to blueberries, all laws relating to forests and forest preservation, laws relating to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission and laws and rules relating to lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Parks and Lands; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] E. Investigate and gather evidence regarding the cause of wildfires; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] F. Have the authority to set backfires to control wildfires; [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD).] G. Carry out such other duties as the director prescribes; and [PL 1989, c. 174, §1 (AMD).] H. Have rights of access to all lands within the State to carry out the duties they are authorized by law to administer and enforce. Entry into private property under this paragraph is not a trespass. This paragraph does not authorize entry into any building or structure. [PL 1989, c. 174, §2 (NEW).] Forest rangers and the state supervisor may also exercise the powers in this subsection when appropriate for agricultural and park fires. [PL 2013, c. 130, §1 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Law enforcement powers. In addition to any law enforcement powers expressly provided to forest rangers by another law: A. Forest rangers and the state supervisor, for the purpose of enforcing Title 36, chapter 701 relating to blueberries, forest and forest preservation laws, laws of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission and laws and rules relating to the lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Parks and Lands, have statewide law enforcement powers equivalent to those of a sheriff, or a sheriff's deputy, in the sheriff's county, including the right to execute or serve criminal and civil violation processes against offenders, make warrantless arrests for crimes, investigate and prosecute offenders, require aid in executing forest ranger duties and deputize temporary aides; [PL 2013, c. 130, §2 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] B. The Director of the Bureau of Forestry, at the director's discretion, may authorize forest rangers and the state supervisor while on duty to arrest without a warrant a person who has committed or is committing in the ranger's or supervisor's presence any crime involving the use or threatened use of physical force against a person. For the purposes of this paragraph, criminal conduct has been committed or is being committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer when one or more of the officer's senses afford that officer personal knowledge of facts that are sufficient to warrant a prudent and cautious law enforcement officer's belief that a crime involving the use or threatened use of physical force against a person is being or has just been committed and that the person arrested has committed or is committing that crime. An arrest made pursuant to this paragraph must be made at the time of the commission of the criminal conduct, or some part thereof, or within a reasonable time thereafter or upon fresh pursuit; and [PL 1999, c. 352, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] C. Forest rangers and the state supervisor while on or off duty are authorized to provide assistance in a life-threatening emergency consistent with agency policies and within the scope of individual training. [PL 1999, c. 351, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 130, §2 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §§23, 24 (REV).]

3-A. Liability. When a forest ranger or the state supervisor provides assistance under subsection 3, paragraph C , the forest ranger or the state supervisor has the same immunity from tort liability and all the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation and insurance benefits and any other benefits the forest ranger or the state supervisor enjoys while performing duties under subsection 3, paragraphs A and B . [PL 1999, c. 352, §2 (NEW).]

4. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Escaped prescribed fire" means an uncontrolled fire on wildland caused by a prescribed fire that escaped control efforts and burned unintended land area. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW).] B. "Escaped wildland fire use" means an out of control fire caused by a wildland fire use that escaped control efforts and burned unintended land area. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW).] C. "Prescribed fire" means a forest or land management practice using fire, applied in a knowledgeable manner to naturally occurring fuels on a specific land area under selected weather conditions to accomplish predetermined, well-defined management objectives. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW).] D. "Wildfire" means an unplanned, unwanted wildland fire including an unauthorized human-caused fire, an escaped wildland fire use, an escaped prescribed fire and any other wildland fire with respect to which the Director of the Bureau of Forestry has determined that the objective is to put the fire out. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] E. "Wildland" means an area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for roads, railroads, powerlines and similar transportation facilities, and structures, if any, are widely scattered. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW).] F. "Wildland fire use" means a management practice using a naturally occurring fire burning forest fuels on wildland that is not immediately controlled. The fire is allowed to burn within a predetermined area and is used to promote certain wilderness or management objectives. [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 130, §3 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6073-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6073-C
12 §6073-C. Harvester license exemption; scallop aquaculture (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6073-B)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 6073-B)

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 6701 , 6702 and 6703 to hold a separate license for the removal, possession or transport of scallops 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 2021, c. 168, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12851 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 927 / Section 12851
12 §12851. Commissioner's authority to adopt rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall, with the advice and consent of the Advisory Board for the Licensing of Guides, adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . The commissioner shall establish safety standards to provide the clients of guides reasonable protection from hazards. The commissioner may adopt rules in the following areas. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §314 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Alcohol; drugs. The commissioner may require applicants to state whether they use alcohol or other drugs in a way that would interfere with their competence as guides. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Failure to meet party. The commissioner may require applicants who have previously held a guide license to state that they have not received and retained a guiding fee from a party and then failed to meet that party as agreed or failed to provide the services as agreed. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Competency. The commissioner may establish standards of competency that must be provided to each applicant. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Watercraft. The commissioner may establish standards for the use of watercraft by a guide to ensure that the watercraft is safe for the use intended, that sufficient safety equipment is provided to each passenger and that the operator is competent to use watercraft. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Classification. The commissioner may establish classifications of guide licenses, including general guides and specialized categories. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Other. The commissioner may establish rules in any area as the commissioner considers necessary to administer this chapter, except that the commissioner may not require an applicant to demonstrate certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8423-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 803 / Section 8423-A
12 §8423-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW).]

1. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

2. Designated spray area. [PL 2015, c. 314, §4 (RP).]

3. Director. "Director" means the Director of the Bureau of Forestry. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

4. District. [PL 2015, c. 314, §4 (RP).]

5. Forest land owners. "Forest land owners" means persons who own forest lands. [PL 2015, c. 314, §5 (AMD).]

6. Management program. "Management program" means all activities undertaken by the Bureau of Forestry in connection with the short-term and long-term management of spruce budworm infestations, including, without limitation, any activities undertaken in connection with spruce budworm survey and detection activities, targeting silvicultural and integrated pest management programs, research, methods development and related activities and any involvement in any spray activities. [PL 2015, c. 314, §6 (AMD).]

7. Person. "Person" means any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other legal entity or any group of persons which acts as a tenancy in common or joint tenancy for ownership purposes and includes any government or any agency, bureau or commission thereof. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW).]

7-A. Presalvage and salvage harvesting. "Presalvage and salvage harvesting" means the harvesting of trees vulnerable to damage. [PL 2015, c. 314, §7 (NEW).]

8. Rebate. [PL 2015, c. 314, §8 (RP).]

9. Rule. "Rule" means a duly-adopted regulation of general applicability promulgated by the Bureau of Forestry. These rules shall have the force and effect of law. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

10. Spray program area. [PL 2015, c. 314, §8 (RP).]

11. Spray project. [PL 2015, c. 314, §9 (RP).]

12. Spruce budworm. "Spruce budworm" means the insect of the species known as Choristoneura fumiferana, Clem., at any stage of its biological development. [PL 1981, c. 278, §2 (NEW).]

13. Spruce budworm timber harvesting standards. "Spruce budworm timber harvesting standards" means standards for presalvage and salvage harvesting of spruce and fir stands vulnerable to and subject to spruce budworm damage. [PL 2015, c. 314, §10 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8879 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8879
12 §8879. Report on the state of the State's forests
Status: in_force

The director shall publish a report on the state of the State's forests every 5 years. The director must submit a copy of the report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over forestry matters by January 1st every 5 years beginning January 1, 2016. [PL 2011, c. 532, §2 (AMD).]

1. Content. The report must describe the condition of the State's forests based on historical information and information collected and analyzed by the bureau for the 5-year period. The report must provide an assessment at the state level of progress in achieving the standards developed pursuant to section 8876‑A , including an assessment of designated outcome-based forestry projects authorized under section 8003, subsection 3, paragraph Q , including a recommendation to continue, change or discontinue the outcome-based forestry projects. The director shall also provide observations on differences in achieving standards by landowner class. The report must summarize importing and exporting of forest products for foreign and interstate activities. The director shall obtain public input during the preparation of the report through appropriate methods. [PL 2013, c. 542, §7 (AMD).]

1-A. Report on changes in ownership of forest land. Using information received under Title 36, section 581‑G , the director shall monitor changes in ownership of parcels of forest land that are 1,000 acres or greater in area within the municipalities of the State and classified under the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law. Using information received under Title 36, sections 581‑F and 581‑G , the director shall monitor the number of parcels classified under the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law and the distribution of parcels by size. The report must include information on the number of parcels, classified by size categories, for the organized and unorganized territories of the State. The information must be presented in a manner that facilitates comparison from year to year. In assessing changes in forest land ownership, the director shall also consider information reported pursuant to Title 36, sections 305 and 2728 . The director shall provide a summary of changes in ownership of forest land in the report. [PL 2011, c. 532, §2 (AMD).]

1-B. Report on conservation of late-successional forests and old-growth forests. Beginning with the report due on January 1, 2031, the report must include information regarding the status of late-successional forests and old-growth forests in the State and actions that have been taken since the previous report under this section to enhance the conservation of late-successional forests and old-growth forests on public and private land statewide. [PL 2025, c. 481, §2 (NEW).]

2. Recommendations. The report must include recommendations for state and private actions designed to address the needs identified in the assessment. A. State action recommendations must be defined in terms of necessary policies, programs, staff and budgetary requirements to achieve specific goals. [PL 1997, c. 720, §13 (NEW).] B. Recommendations for actions on privately held forest lands may be developed separately for large, industrial ownerships and small, nonindustrial ownerships. These recommendations must be defined in terms of actions needed to achieve specific goals. [PL 1997, c. 720, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 720, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6303 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6303
12 §6303. Application
Status: in_force

1. Forms. Application shall be made on forms furnished by the commissioner. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

2. Misrepresentation or error. Any license issued through misrepresentation or misstatement shall be void. Any license issued through error shall be void after notice to the holder. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

3. Satisfactory answers. Failure or refusal to satisfactorily answer any question on or about the application shall be a basis for denying the application. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1819-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1819-A
12 §1819-A. Day use passes for certain veterans
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 1819 , the commissioner shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management for the issuance of a free day use pass to state parks and historic sites to each veteran determined by the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management to meet the criteria established in Title 37-B, section 8 . The pass entitles the holder to admission free of charge to all state parks and historic sites. [PL 2009, c. 440, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 156 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 156
12 §156. Appointment of governing body; application to Secretary of State
Status: in_force

If the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall determine that the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable and feasible, it shall appoint 2 supervisors to act, with the 3 supervisors elected, as the governing body of the district. Such district shall be an agency of the State and a public body corporate and politic, upon the taking of the following proceedings: [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

The 2 appointed supervisors shall present to the Secretary of State an application signed by them, which shall set forth:

1. Petition. That a petition for the creation of the district was filed with the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and that the proceedings specified in this chapter were taken pursuant to such petition; that the application is being filed in order to complete the organization of the district; and that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has appointed them as supervisors; [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

2. Supervisors. The name and official residence of each of the supervisors, together with a certified copy of the appointments evidencing their right to office;

3. Term of office. The term of office of each of the supervisors;

4. Name of district. The name which is proposed for the district.

The application shall be subscribed and sworn to by each of the said supervisors. The application shall be accompanied by a statement by the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which shall certify that a petition was filed, notice issued and hearing held; that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry did duly determine that there is need for a soil and water conservation district to function in the proposed territory and it did define the boundaries thereof; that notice was given and a referendum held on the question of the creation of such district, and that the result of such referendum showed a majority of the votes cast to be in favor of the creation of the district; that thereafter the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry did duly determine that the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable and feasible. The said statement shall set forth the boundaries of the district as they have been defined by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

The Secretary of State shall file the application and statement and shall record them in an appropriate book of record in the secretary's office. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, the district constitutes an agency of the State and a public body corporate and politic. The Secretary of State shall make and issue to the supervisors of the district a certificate, under the seal of the State, of the due organization of the district, and shall record a copy of the certificate with the application and statement. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §1 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6412 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6412
12 §6412. Suspension of license or certificate for failure to comply with reporting requirements
Status: in_force

1. Authority to suspend. The commissioner, in accordance with this section, may suspend a license or certificate issued under this Part if the holder of the license or certificate fails to comply with reporting requirements established by section 6864, subsection 8 or by rule pursuant to section 6173 . A license or certificate suspended under this section remains suspended until the suspension is rescinded by the commissioner. The commissioner shall rescind a suspension when: A. The commissioner determines and provides notice to the holder of the suspended license or certificate that the holder has come into compliance with the reporting requirements established by section 6864, subsection 8 or by rule pursuant to section 6173 ; and [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (AMD).] B. The holder pays to the department a $25 administrative fee. [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] When a suspension is rescinded, the license or certificate is reinstated. Until the suspension is rescinded, the holder of the suspended license or certificate is not eligible to hold, apply for or obtain that license or certificate. [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (AMD).]

1-A. Process for suspension for failing to comply with daily reporting by elver dealers. If the commissioner determines that a person licensed under section 6864 has failed to comply with the daily reporting requirement under section 6864, subsection 8 , the commissioner shall notify the person at the telephone number provided on the person's license application or at another telephone number provided in writing by the dealer for this purpose. If the license holder has not complied with the reporting requirements within 24 hours of the requirement to submit the report, the commissioner shall serve a notice of suspension in hand to the license holder or mail the notice to the license holder. If the notice is mailed to the license holder, the notice is deemed received 3 days after the mailing. The notice must: A. Describe the information that the license holder is required to provide that the department has not received; and [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (NEW).] B. State that, unless all the information described in paragraph A is provided to the department or the license holder requests a hearing, the license will be suspended 12 hours after the license holder's receipt of the notice. [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (NEW).] Notwithstanding subsection 4 , if the license holder has not complied with the reporting requirements or requested a hearing within 12 hours after receipt of the notice, the commissioner shall suspend the license. [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (NEW).]

1-B. Process for suspension for failing to comply with daily reporting by harvesters of marine organisms that have daily reporting requirements. If the commissioner determines that an individual licensed or certified to fish for marine organisms under this Part has failed to comply with a daily reporting requirement established in rule adopted by the department pursuant to section 6173 , the commissioner may notify the individual by e-mail at the e-mail address provided on the application for the license or certificate. If the individual has not complied with the reporting requirements within 2 days of the requirement to submit the report, the commissioner may mail a notice to the individual. The notice is deemed received 3 days after the mailing. The notice must: A. Describe the information that the individual is required to provide that the department has not received; and [PL 2025, c. 246, §1 (NEW).] B. State that, unless all the information described in paragraph A is provided to the department or the individual requests a hearing, the license or certificate will be suspended 3 business days after the individual's receipt of the notice. [PL 2025, c. 246, §1 (NEW).] Notwithstanding subsection 4 , if the individual has not complied with the reporting requirements or requested a hearing within 3 business days after receipt of the notice, the commissioner shall suspend the license or certificate. [PL 2025, c. 246, §1 (NEW).]

2. Process for suspension for failing to comply with weekly reporting. If the commissioner determines that a person who holds a license or certificate under this Part has failed to comply with a weekly reporting requirement established by rule pursuant to section 6173 , the commissioner shall notify the person at the telephone number provided on the application for the license or certificate and by e-mail if an e-mail address is provided on the application. If the license or certificate holder has not complied with the reporting requirements within 2 days after the commissioner has provided the notice, the commissioner shall mail a notice of suspension to the license or certificate holder. The notice is deemed received 3 days after the mailing. The notice must: A. Describe the information that the license or certificate holder is required to provide pursuant to this Part that the department has not received; and [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] B. State that, unless all the information described in paragraph A is provided to the department or the license or certificate holder requests a hearing, the license or certificate will be suspended in 3 business days after the license or certificate holder's receipt of the notice. [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] If the license or certificate holder has not complied with the reporting requirements or requested a hearing within 3 business days after receipt of the notice, the commissioner shall suspend the license or certificate. [PL 2013, c. 468, §13 (AMD).]

3. Process for suspension for failing to comply with monthly reporting. If the commissioner determines that a person who holds a license or certificate under this Part has failed to comply with a monthly reporting requirement established by rule pursuant to section 6173 , the commissioner shall notify the person by mailing the notice to the person at the last known address provided in the department's marine resources licensing and enforcement database, or by serving the notice in hand. If the license or certificate holder has not complied with the reporting requirements within 45 days after the commissioner has provided the notice, the commissioner shall mail a notice of suspension to the license or certificate holder. The notice is deemed received 3 days after the mailing. The notice must: A. Describe the information that the license or certificate holder is required to provide pursuant to this Part that the department has not received; and [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] B. State that, unless all the information described in paragraph A is provided to the department or the license or certificate holder requests a hearing, the license or certificate will be suspended in 3 business days after the license or certificate holder's receipt of the notice. [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] If the license or certificate holder has not complied with the reporting requirements or requested a hearing within 3 business days after receipt of the notice, the commissioner shall suspend the license or certificate. [PL 2015, c. 172, §7 (AMD).]

4. Hearing. A license or certificate holder receiving a written notice of suspension pursuant to this section may request a hearing on the suspension by contacting the department within 3 business days of receipt of the notice. If a hearing is requested, the suspension is stayed until a decision is issued following the hearing. The hearing must be held within 3 business days of the request, unless another time is agreed to by both the department and the license or certificate holder. The hearing must be conducted in the Augusta area. The hearing must be held in accordance with: A. Title 5, section 9057 , regarding evidence, except the issues are limited to whether the license or certificate holder has complied with reporting requirements established by rule pursuant to section 6173 ; [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] B. Title 5, section 9058 , regarding notice; [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] C. Title 5, section 9059 , regarding records; [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] D. Title 5, section 9061 , regarding decisions, except the deadline for making a decision is one business day after completion of the hearing; and [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] E. Title 5, section 9062, subsections 3 and 4 , regarding a presiding officer's duties and reporting requirements, except that notwithstanding section 9062, subsection 1 , the presiding officer must be the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 282, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6310 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6310
12 §6310. Appeal of license denial; illness or medical condition
Status: in_force

1. Appeal of license denial. A person who is denied a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license because that person does not meet the eligibility requirements of section 6421, subsection 5, paragraph A ; a person who is denied a handfishing sea urchin license, a sea urchin dragging license or a sea urchin hand-raking and trapping license because that person does not meet the eligibility requirements of section 6749‑O, subsection 2‑A ; a person who is denied a hand fishing scallop license or a scallop dragging license because that person does not meet the eligibility requirements of section 6706, subsection 2 ; or a person who is denied a resident commercial menhaden fishing license or a nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license because that person does not meet the eligibility requirements of section 6502‑C, subsection 1‑B may appeal to the commissioner under this section for a review of that license denial. [PL 2023, c. 540, §1 (AMD).]

2. Criteria for license issuance on appeal. The commissioner may issue a license on appeal only if the criteria in this subsection are met. A. A Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license may be issued to a person on appeal only if: (1) A substantial illness or medical condition on the part of the person or a family member prevented that person from meeting the eligibility requirements for a license in 1997, 1998 or 1999, and the person documents that the person harvested lobsters while in possession of a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license within one year prior to the onset of the illness or medical condition. The person shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the illness or other medical condition. A person may not request an appeal under this subparagraph after December 31, 2001; or (2) A substantial illness or medical condition on the part of the person or a family member prevented that person from meeting the eligibility requirements for a license in licensing year 2000 or in subsequent years, and the person documents that the person harvested lobsters while in possession of a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license within one year prior to the onset of the illness or medical condition. The person shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the illness or other medical condition. A person must request an appeal under this subparagraph within one year of the onset of the illness or medical condition. [PL 2013, c. 319, §1 (AMD).] B. A handfishing sea urchin license, a sea urchin dragging license or a sea urchin hand-raking and trapping license may be issued to a person on appeal only if: (1) A substantial illness or medical condition on the part of the person or a family member prevented that person from meeting the eligibility requirements for that license, and the person documents that the person harvested sea urchins while in possession of the same license within one year prior to the onset of the illness or medical condition. The person shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the illness or other medical condition. A person must request an appeal under this subparagraph within one year of the onset of the illness or medical condition. [PL 2013, c. 319, §1 (AMD).] C. A hand fishing scallop license or a scallop dragging license may be issued to a person on appeal only if: (1) A substantial illness or medical condition on the part of the person or a family member prevented that person from meeting the eligibility requirements for that license, and the person documents that the person harvested scallops while in possession of the same license within one year prior to the onset of the illness or medical condition. The person shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the illness or other medical condition. A person must request an appeal under this subparagraph within one year of the onset of the illness or medical condition. [PL 2013, c. 319, §1 (AMD).] D. A resident commercial menhaden fishing license or a nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license may be issued to a person on appeal only if a substantial illness or medical condition on the part of the person or a family member prevented that person from meeting the eligibility requirements for that license and the person documents that the person fished for menhaden while in possession of the same license within one year prior to the onset of the illness or medical condition. The person shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the illness or other medical condition. A person must request an appeal under this paragraph within one year of the onset of the illness or medical condition. [PL 2023, c. 540, §2 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, "family member" means a spouse, sibling, child's spouse, parent by blood, parent by adoption, spouse's parent, child by blood, child by adoption, stepchild, stepparent, grandchild or grandparent. [PL 2023, c. 540, §2 (AMD).]

3. Appeals process. A person appealing a license denial under this section must request the appeal in writing. The commissioner shall hold a hearing on the appeal if a hearing is requested in writing within 10 days of the initial request for appeal. If a hearing is requested, it must be held within 30 days of the request unless a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing, and it must be conducted in the Augusta area. A hearing held under this subsection is informal. At the hearing, the appellant may present any evidence concerning the criteria listed in subsection 2 that might justify issuing a license to the person, and the commissioner may request any additional information the commissioner considers necessary. Any medical information provided as part of the appeal is a confidential record for the purposes of Title 1, section 402, subsection 3, paragraph A . [PL 1999, c. 643, §1 (NEW).]

4. Issuance on appeal. Issuance of a license on appeal is at the discretion of the commissioner, except that a license may not be issued unless the criteria in subsection 2 are met. Decisions of the commissioner must be in writing. [PL 1999, c. 643, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 755 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 209 / Section 755
12 §755. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The jurisdiction of this State, both civil and criminal, over persons upon any lands acquired under section 753 shall not be affected or changed by the permanent reservation and administration of such lands as national forest lands, except so far as the punishment of offenses against the United States is concerned; the intent and meaning of this section being that this State shall not by reason of such reservation and administration lose its jurisdiction, nor the inhabitants thereof their rights and privileges as citizens, nor be absolved from their duties as citizens of this State.
12 M.R.S. § 11403 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11403
12 §11403. Regular archery-only deer hunting season
Status: in_force

1. License required. [PL 2015, c. 301, §20 (RP).]

2. Open archery season on deer. The commissioner shall by rule establish a regular archery season beginning at least 30 days prior and extending to the beginning of the regular deer hunting season, as described in section 11401, subsection 1, paragraph A , for the purpose of hunting deer with archery equipment. During the regular archery season on deer the following restrictions apply. A. A person may not take a deer during a regular archery season unless that person uses a hand-held bow and broadhead arrow in accordance with section 11214, subsection 1, paragraph P or a crossbow in accordance with section 11214, subsection 1, paragraph Q . [PL 2023, c. 239, §32 (AMD).] B. A person may not carry firearms of any kind while hunting any species of wildlife with archery equipment during the regular archery season on deer. This paragraph may not be construed to prohibit a person from carrying a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 25, section 2001‑A . [PL 2023, c. 239, §32 (AMD).] C. Except as provided in section 11109‑A, subsection 3 , if a person takes a deer with archery equipment during the regular archery season on deer, that person is precluded from further hunting for deer during that year except as otherwise provided in law or rule. [PL 2023, c. 239, §32 (AMD).] D. Except as provided in this subsection, the provisions of this Part concerning deer are applicable to the taking of deer with archery equipment, including the transportation, registration and possession of deer taken by these methods. [PL 2023, c. 239, §32 (AMD).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2023, c. 239, §32 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 8907 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 8907
12 §8907. Forest service citation form
Status: in_force

1. Form. The Director of the Bureau of Forestry, referred to in this section as the "director," shall designate the Uniform Summons and Complaint as the citation form to be used by the Maine Forest Service, except that the director may permit the use of any citation forms approved by the Chief Judge of the District Court before May 1, 1991 that are in current stock as of May 1, 1991 until those stocks are depleted. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Citation books. The director is responsible for any forms approved by the Chief Judge of the District Court prior to May 1, 1991. The director may provide citation books to other law enforcement agencies and officers for their use in the enforcement of chapters 807 and 809 . The director may not require other agencies to use this form. The Department of Public Safety is responsible for all Uniform Summons and Complaints issued to the Maine Forest Service. The director or the director's designee is responsible for the further issuance of Uniform Summons and Complaint books to individual law enforcement officers and for the proper disposition of those books. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR).]

3. Disposition; prohibited act. It is unlawful and official misconduct for any forest ranger or other public employee to dispose of an official citation form or Uniform Summons and Complaint except in accordance with law and as provided for in an applicable official policy or procedure of the Maine Forest Service. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR).]

4. Lawful complaint. A Maine Forest Service citation form or a Uniform Summons and Complaint may be filed in a court having jurisdiction and constitutes a lawful complaint to commence any criminal prosecution or civil violation proceeding if the form or Uniform Summons and Complaint is duly sworn to as required by law and otherwise legally sufficient in respect to the form of a complaint and charging an offense. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR).]

5. Lawful summons. A Maine Forest Service citation or a Uniform Summons and Complaint, when served upon a person by a law enforcement officer, functions as a summons to appear in court. Any person who fails to appear in court after having been served with a summons commits a Class E crime. Upon that person's failure to appear, the court may issue a warrant of arrest. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection that the failure to appear resulted from just cause. A. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RP).] B. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RP).] [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR).]

6. Refusal to sign; prohibited act. Any person who refuses to sign a citation or a Uniform Summons and Complaint after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer commits a Class E crime. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RPR).]

7. Refusal to sign; prohibited act. [PL 1991, c. 459, §3 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6074-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6074-A
12 §6074-A. Spat collection license
Status: in_force

1. Definition. As used in this section, "spat" means sea scallops, Placopectin magellanicus, or blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, in the post-larval stage that have gone through metamorphosis and settled on a substrate. The commissioner may, by rule, add additional species to this definition. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

2. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current spat collection license issued by the commissioner. A person who holds a lease issued under section 6072 or 6072‑A or a license issued under section 6072‑C is exempt from the requirement to obtain a spat collection license to collect spat on the lease site or in connection with the license issued under section 6072‑C if the species is commercially cultured and listed on that person's lease or license. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

3. Licensed activity. The holder of a spat collection license may take, possess or sell the spat of marine organisms identified on the spat collection license. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

4. Type and amount of gear. The commissioner shall specify on a spat collection license the method of taking and the type and amount of gear authorized by the license. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

5. Eligibility. A spat collection license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

6. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules that define the maximum size of spat for each species that a holder of a spat collection license is authorized to take. The commissioner may adopt rules to limit the amount of spat collected and the type and amount of gear that may be used for spat collection for each species. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

7. License holder exempted. The holder of a spat collection license is exempt from the requirement to hold a license under this Part for harvesting the species identified on the spat collection license up to the maximum size of spat that is specified for that species in rule. The holder of a spat collection license is exempt from the time restrictions on taking and possessing and minimum size requirements for that species up to the maximum size of spat that is specified for that species in rule. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

8. Fees. The fee for a spat collection license is $75. All fees collected under this subsection accrue to the Aquaculture Management Fund established in section 6072‑D . [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

9. Reporting. The commissioner may require the holder of a spat collection license to report annually on the quantity of spat collected and whether the spat was used for aquaculture or stock enhancement activities. [PL 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]

10. Violation. 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 2015, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 199, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11212-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11212-A
12 §11212-A. Having a loaded firearm or crossbow in a motor vehicle or hunting or shooting from a motor vehicle or motorboat with a firearm or archery equipment
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Loaded firearm or crossbow" means a firearm with a cartridge or shell in the chamber or in an attached magazine, clip or cylinder or a muzzle-loading firearm charged with powder, lead and a primed ignition device or mechanism or a cocked and armed crossbow. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] B. "Vehicle" means a motor vehicle or a trailer or other type of vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).]

2. Prohibition; vehicles. A person may not shoot while in or on a vehicle, have a loaded firearm or crossbow while in or on a vehicle or rest a loaded firearm or crossbow on a vehicle except as provided in subsection 3 . [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).]

3. Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to subsection 2 . A. While hunting, a person who is not in or on a vehicle may rest a loaded firearm or crossbow that is under the person's control on the vehicle to shoot only when the vehicle is not in motion and the engine of the vehicle is not running. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] B. While hunting, a person who is on but not within an enclosed area or passenger compartment of an all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile may shoot a firearm or archery equipment or rest a loaded firearm or archery equipment that is under the person's control on the all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile to shoot only when the all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile is not in motion and the engine of the all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile is not running. [PL 2023, c. 239, §23 (AMD).] C. While target shooting and not hunting, a person who is on but not within an enclosed area or passenger compartment of a vehicle may shoot a firearm or archery equipment or rest a loaded firearm or archery equipment that is under the person's control on the vehicle to shoot only when the vehicle is not in motion and the engine of the vehicle is not running. [PL 2023, c. 239, §24 (AMD).] D. Notwithstanding paragraph A , a paraplegic or single or double amputee of the legs may shoot from a vehicle that is not in motion. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] E. A person who is 21 years of age or older and is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm or is 18 years of age or older and under 21 years of age and is on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm may have in or on a vehicle a loaded pistol or revolver. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 239, §§23, 24 (AMD).]

4. Prohibition; motorboats. A person may not shoot while in or on a motorboat, except that: A. A person may hunt migratory waterfowl from a motorboat in accordance with federal regulations; and [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] B. A person may shoot from a motorboat if that boat is not being propelled by its motor. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).]

5. Possession of wild animals or wild birds. A person may not possess a wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of subsection 2 or 3 , except as otherwise provided in this Part. [PL 2019, c. 325, §4 (AMD).]

6. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2017, c. 176, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13104 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 937 / Section 13104
12 §13104. Registration
Status: repealed

1. Operating unregistered snowmobile. Except as provided in this subsection, subsection 7 and section 13112 , a person may not operate a snowmobile that is not registered in accordance with this section. A. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated over the snow on land on which the owner lives or that the snowmobile operator owns or leases, regardless of where that snowmobile operator is domiciled, as long as the snowmobile is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of this State. [PL 2023, c. 308, §13 (AMD).] B. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operations thereon unless the snowmobile is required to cross a public way during that operation. [PL 2005, c. 1, §1 (AMD).] C. Snowmobiles owned and operated in this State by the Federal Government, the State or a political subdivision of the State are exempt from registration fees but must be registered and required to display numbers. [PL 2005, c. 1, §1 (AMD).] D. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile if valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under section 13110 are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile when the snowmobile is tested on the premises of a snowmobile repair shop when the snowmobile repair shop is open and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. OO, §18 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 308, §13 (AMD).]

2. Application and issuance. The commissioner, or an agent designated by the commissioner, may register and assign a registration number to a snowmobile upon application and payment of a fee by the owner. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 in addition to the fee for each registration issued by an employee of the department. The registration number in the form of stickers issued by the commissioner must be clearly displayed on both sides of the snowmobile. An annual registration is valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year, except that any registration issued prior to July 1st but after May 1st is valid from the date of issuance until June 30th of the following year. [PL 2021, c. 411, §7 (RPR).]

3. Form of registration. The snowmobile registration must be in such form as the commissioner may determine except that the commissioner shall develop a single form of registration that can be used for the 3-day, 10-day or seasonal nonresident registrations. [PL 2015, c. 237, §1 (AMD).]

4. Fee. Except as provided in subsection 5 , the annual snowmobile registration fee is as follows: A. For residents, $55. The registration for a snowmobile owned by a resident is valid for one year, commencing on July 1st of each year; and [PL 2021, c. 104, §1 (AMD).] B. For nonresidents: (1) Seventy-four dollars for a 3-consecutive-day registration. A person may purchase more than one 3-day registration in any season; (2) One hundred and nineteen dollars for a seasonal registration; and (3) Ninety-nine dollars for a 10-consecutive-day registration. A person may purchase more than one 10-day registration in any season. The registration for a snowmobile owned by a nonresident must specify the dates for which the registration is valid. [PL 2021, c. 104, §1 (AMD).] Ten dollars from each resident registration fee and $15 from each nonresident registration fee collected pursuant to this subsection must be transferred to a special fund administered by the Off-Road Vehicle Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The funds must be used to assist any entity that has a snowmobile trail grooming contract with the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the purchase of trail-grooming equipment. The funds also may be used for the repair or overhaul of trail-grooming equipment. Seventeen dollars from each resident snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. Sixteen dollars from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration fee, $16 from each nonresident 10-day snowmobile registration fee and $21 from each nonresident seasonal snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. Five dollars from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration fee and 10-day snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund established under section 10258 . [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. A, §9 (COR).]

5. Antique snowmobile registration fee. A person who owns a snowmobile that is more than 25 years old and that is substantially maintained in original or restored condition may register that snowmobile under this subsection as an antique snowmobile. An antique snowmobile registration authorizes that snowmobile to be operated only for the purpose of traveling to, returning from and participating in an exhibition, parade or other event of interest to the public or for occasional personal use. The fee for an antique snowmobile registration is $33. An antique snowmobile registration is valid until the ownership of that antique snowmobile is transferred to another person. Upon the transfer of ownership, the new owner may reregister that snowmobile as an antique snowmobile by paying the $33 antique snowmobile registration fee. The registration fee for an antique snowmobile is allocated according to section 10206, subsection 2, paragraph A . [PL 2017, c. 164, §25 (AMD).]

6. Members of armed forces permanently stationed in Maine. The following persons are eligible to register any snowmobile owned by them at the resident fee: A. Any person serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who is permanently stationed at a military or naval post, station or base in the State; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The spouse and children of the person described in paragraph A , provided that the spouse and children permanently reside with that person. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] A member of the armed forces described in paragraph A who desires to register a snowmobile shall present certification from the commander of the post, station or base, or from the commander's designated agent, that the member is permanently stationed at that post, station or base. Registration fees for registrations pursuant to this subsection must be allocated as if the person registering the snowmobile was a resident of the municipality in which the post, station or base is situated. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

7. Snowmobiles of nonresidents; Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails. Except as specifically provided in this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a snowmobile belonging to a nonresident may be possessed or operated by any person in this State as long as the snowmobile is properly registered in this State in the name of a nonresident owner of the snowmobile. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the operation of a snowmobile in a manner contrary to this chapter. A. A nonresident is ineligible to obtain a resident registration for a snowmobile owned by that nonresident. Snowmobiles and grooming equipment registered to federal or state entities, snowmobile clubs, municipalities or counties from bordering states or provinces and engaged in trail grooming may be operated without being registered under this subsection. Snowmobiles registered in either New Hampshire or Canada may be operated on any lake or pond that is partly in both the State and New Hampshire or Canada without being registered in the State. [PL 2005, c. 456, §1 (NEW).] B. A snowmobile registered in this State or in New Hampshire may be operated without further registration requirements on those portions of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails located in Maine. For purposes of this paragraph, "Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails" means: (1) New Hampshire Trail 18 as identified in the Success Pond - Grafton Notch area; and (2) Maine Trail ITS-80 as identified in the Evans Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest. [PL 2005, c. 456, §1 (NEW).] C. Snowmobiles registered in another state or in a Canadian province may be operated without a Maine registration at a special event or festival organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. An event or festival organizer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the event or festival and shall include a map of trails where operation will be allowed. [PL 2005, c. 465, §1 (NEW).] D. A snowmobile owned or under the control of a snowmobile manufacturer may be operated without a Maine registration at a demonstration event organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. A snowmobile manufacturer or a representative of a snowmobile manufacturer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the demonstration event and shall include a description and the location of the event. [PL 2009, c. 184, §1 (NEW).] E. The commissioner may annually establish one 3-consecutive-day period, 2 days of which are weekend days, during which a nonresident may operate in the State a snowmobile that is not registered in this State if the nonresident's snowmobile has a valid registration from another state or a Canadian province and if the nonresident has submitted notification under paragraph F . [PL 2019, c. 207, §1 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 207, §4 (AFF).] F. The commissioner shall establish an online notification process to promote seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and to promote general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling. The process must allow a nonresident who plans to operate in this State during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E a snowmobile that is not registered in this State to provide information to the department using an electronic form accessible through the department's publicly accessible website. The commissioner may not require a fee to submit the electronic form. The electronic form must: (1) Briefly describe the purpose of this process and clearly indicate that the notification process is free; (2) Request the nonresident snowmobile operator's name, address, telephone number and e-mail address and the location or locations where the nonresident plans to operate the snowmobile during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E ; and (3) Include a statement that by submitting the electronic form the person named on the electronic form authorizes the commissioner to share the information on the electronic form with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism after the end of the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling. The commissioner shall share the information collected on the electronic form under this paragraph with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism annually after the end of the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational opportunities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, failure to comply with this paragraph is not a violation of any law or rule administered by the department. Nothing in this paragraph relieves a person of the person's responsibilities under any law or rule regulating the ownership or operation of a snowmobile in the State. [PL 2019, c. 207, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 207, §4 (AFF).] The commissioner shall adopt rules regarding the grooming and maintenance of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails and reimbursement or payment for those services. The rules must allow reimbursement for grooming and maintenance services to be through direct cash payments by users of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails or through in-kind services. The costs of grooming and maintenance must be based on the average per mile costs to Maine and New Hampshire of providing these services. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 207, §§1, 2 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 207, §4 (AFF).]

8. Duplicate registration certificate. The holder of any resident or nonresident seasonal registration certificate issued under this section may obtain a duplicate from the commissioner upon application and payment of a fee of $1. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

9. Numbers permanent. [PL 2007, c. 165, §1 (RP).]

10. Transfer of ownership, discontinuance of use. The following provisions govern transfer of ownership and discontinued use. A. A person who transfers the ownership or permanently discontinues the use of a snowmobile having a resident registration or a nonresident seasonal registration and applies for registration of another snowmobile in the same registration year is entitled to a registration upon payment of a transfer fee of $4 and is not required to pay the regular registration fee. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §42 (AMD).] B. Whenever ownership is transferred or the use of a snowmobile for which a registration has already been issued is discontinued, the old registration must be properly signed and executed by the owner showing that the ownership of the snowmobile has been transferred or its use discontinued and returned to the commissioner within 10 days of the transfer or discontinuance of use. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. If there is a change of ownership of a snowmobile for which a registration has previously been issued, the new owner shall apply for a new registration, shall set forth the original number in the application and shall pay the regular fee for the particular snowmobile involved. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §42 (AMD).]

11. Open snowmobile weekend. [PL 2005, c. 1, §3 (RP).]

12. Restrictions. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §388 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

12-A. Registration certificate; inspection and display. The following provisions apply to registration certificates and numbers. A. A person shall: (1) Provide a registration certificate or an online registration receipt for inspection by any law enforcement officer on demand. A person may provide a registration certificate or an online registration receipt in electronic form; and (2) Display a registration number assigned to a snowmobile in such form and manner as the commissioner may determine, except that an antique snowmobile is not required to display registration numbers. A person may operate a snowmobile registered online without displaying a registration number until that person receives the registration certificate from the department or for 30 days after registering the snowmobile online, whichever occurs first. [PL 2021, c. 130, §3 (AMD).] 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, §389 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 130, §3 (AMD).]

13. Fraudulent acquisition of snowmobile registration. [PL 2019, c. 452, §11 (RP).]

14. Report of destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed snowmobile. A registrant shall notify the commissioner if a snowmobile is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the State. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §391 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

15. Reciprocity. [PL 2011, c. 437, §1 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §13104, sub-§15 (RP).] Revisor's Note: Subsection 15 was repealed 10/1/13. PL 2013, c. 386, §1 attempted to strike the language that repealed the subsection, but did not take effect in time.

16. Reciprocity. [PL 2017, c. 97, §2 (RP).]

17. Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The commissioner shall establish the Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The commissioner shall design and issue 3 different Snowmobile Trail Fund donation stickers to reflect a donor's donation of $25, $50 and $100, respectively. For every donation $2 is retained by the department and the remainder is transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. A Snowmobile Trail Fund donation sticker is in addition to and separate from the snowmobile registration requirements of this section. [PL 2015, c. 237, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1812 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1812
12 §1812. Acquire interests in land; eminent domain; leases with the United States
Status: in_force

With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the director may acquire on behalf of the State land or any interests in land within this State, with or without improvements, by purchase, gift or eminent domain for purposes of holding and managing the same as parks or historic sites. When acquiring land or interest in land, the director shall examine options for obtaining public vehicular access rights to the land. If an acquisition is made that does not include guaranteed public vehicular access, the director shall describe the acquisition in the report required under section 1817 and the justification for that acquisition. The right of eminent domain may not be exercised to take any area or areas for any one park that singly or collectively exceed 200 acres, nor may it be exercised to take any developed or undeveloped mill site or water power privilege in whole or in part or any land used or useful in connection therewith or any land being used for an industrial enterprise. The right of eminent domain may not be exercised without prior review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over conservation matters. [PL 2009, c. 356, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

Before exercising any eminent domain power, the bureau shall notify the owners of any lands proposed for acquisition and shall, at their request, afford those landowners the opportunity of a public hearing to testify as to the necessity and propriety of taking such lands. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner and upon terms and conditions determined to be advantageous to the people of this State and consistent with this chapter, the director may negotiate and execute any lease or other agreement for the administration, maintenance, supervision, use and development of state parks that are acquired and owned by the Federal Government. The director may, with like consent, accept on behalf of the State deeds of gift or other conveyances to lands or interests in lands suitable for administration, maintenance, supervision, use and development as state parks or historic sites under this subchapter. Such lands or interest in those lands, when so acquired, whether title thereto is in the United States or otherwise, are subject to administration, maintenance, supervision, use and development by the bureau during the terms of any lease or agreement under this section. With respect to lands or interest in lands that are included in any park or parks acquired and owned by the Federal Government and administered under this subchapter, the State shall retain concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Government in and over all such lands. Any civil or criminal process issuing under the authority of this State may be executed on those lands in the same manner and to the same effect as if those lands were privately owned, and exclusive jurisdiction in and to those lands reverts to the State when they cease to be owned by the United States. Such lands are exempt from all taxes and assessments while they are the property of the United States. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 4656 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4656
12 §4656. Appropriation
Status: in_force

Any money appropriated by the Legislature for the expenses of the commission must be paid out of the State Treasury on the audit and warrant of the State Controller, upon vouchers certified by the chair of the commission in the manner prescribed by law. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §17 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6410 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6410
12 §6410. Suspension of license for failure to comply with court order of support
Status: in_force

If a person's eligibility to obtain or hold a license or registration is suspended pursuant to Title 19-A, section 2201 , the suspension remains in effect until the person is in compliance with a court order of support. Except for a limited entry fishery, as defined in section 6310‑A, subsection 2 , upon payment of a $25 administrative fee to the department, the suspension is rescinded and the person's eligibility to obtain or hold a license reinstated. For a limited entry fishery, as defined in section 6310‑A, subsection 2 , in order for the suspension to be rescinded and the person's eligibility to obtain or hold a license to be reinstated, the person must purchase the license and pay the $25 administrative fee to the department by no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the person is in compliance with the court order of support. [PL 2019, c. 642, §3 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 5012-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 428 / Section 5012-A
12 §5012-A. Dedicated accounts for sales of merchandise and acceptance of donations
Status: in_force

The commissioner may create dedicated accounts in which to deposit money received from the sale of general merchandise products such as, but not limited to, t-shirts, audio and video recordings, coffee mugs, tote bags and calendars. Funds received by the commissioner from the sale of general merchandise products must be deposited in a dedicated account to be used only for the purpose of promoting and improving department programs. The commissioner may also accept money, goods and services donated to the department to support specific programs carried out by the department. Any money donated to the department in support of a specific program must be deposited into a dedicated account for the purpose of funding activities carried out by that program. [PL 2005, c. 57, §1 (NEW).]

Merchandise sold by the commissioner must be of good quality and appropriate for sale by the department. To the extent the commissioner needs to contract with vendors to obtain goods or services in order to develop, create or manufacture merchandise for sale, the commissioner shall, to the maximum extent practicable, contract with vendors located in this State. The commissioner shall register with the United States Library of Congress, United States Copyright Office a copyright in any original pictorial, graphic or other artwork or original work of authorship produced by or under the direction of the department as a work made for hire that is used in merchandise sold by the department. The commissioner may use, manage or administer any copyright held by or license to use copyrighted materials obtained by the department and may manage the copying, use and dissemination of copies of copyrighted materials in which the department holds a copyright or license. [PL 2005, c. 57, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12507 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12507
12 §12507. License to cultivate or sell commercially grown and imported fish
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not cultivate or sell fish that have been commercially grown within the State or imported from outside the State without 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. Issuance. The commissioner may issue a license to cultivate and sell fish that have been either commercially grown within the State or imported from without the State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Application. This section does not apply to and the commissioner may not issue permits governing any aspect of either the commercial aquaculture of Atlantic salmon when intended for use in commercial aquaculture in coastal waters or the Atlantic salmon restoration program. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fee. The fee for a license to sell commercially grown or imported fish is $27 annually. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §27 (AMD).]

5. Requirements. A licensee shall: A. Keep a license issued under subsection 2 constantly and publicly posted in the office or place of business of the licensee; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Be licensed for each wholesale and retail outlet from which a person sells fish; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Identify in a manner approved by the commissioner the name and address of the source of all fish offered for sale or sold under this section; and [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. Keep invoices of fish sold and purchased under this section so that the invoices are available at all times for inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized agent. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 5 . A. A person who violates subsection 5 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, §254 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 5 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, §254 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] Each day a person violates subsection 5 is a separate violation. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §254 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 598-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 202-D / Section 598-A
12 §598-A. Designated lands
Status: repealed

The following lands are designated lands under the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 23. Designated lands under this section may not be reduced or substantially altered, except by a 2/3 vote of the Legislature. It is the intent of the Legislature that individual holdings of land or classes of land may be added to the list of designated lands under this section in the manner normally reserved for amending the public laws of the State. Once so designated, however, it is the intent of the Legislature that designated lands remain subject to the provisions of this section and the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 23 until such time as the designation is repealed or limited by a 2/3 vote of the Legislature. [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]

Designated lands are: [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]

1. Certain Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife lands. The following lands held by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: A. State-owned wildlife management areas and public access sites described in section 10109, subsection 1 and section 12708 ; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. B, §20 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Lands held and managed as a state game farm under the provisions of section 10109, subsection 2 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. B, §20 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. B, §20 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Public lands and public reserve lots. [PL 1995, c. 502, Pt. E, §16 (RP).]

2-A. Certain lands of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Lands under the care, custody, control and management of the Bureau of Parks and Lands, including: A. Lands that constitute a state park or historic site as those terms are defined in section 1801 ; [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §24 (AMD).] B. Lands that constitute the Allagash Wilderness Waterway as defined in chapter 220, subchapter VI ; [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §25 (AMD).] C. Lands used for public boat facilities under the provisions of chapter 220, subchapter IX , including launching ramps, locks, parking sites and access roads; [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §26 (AMD).] D. Public reserved lands as defined in section 1801, subsection 8 ; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §8 (AMD).] E. Nonreserved public lands as defined in section 1801, subsection 6 . [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §27 (AMD).] Designated lands do not include: submerged lands; and all parcels of public reserved land in the towns of Bradley, LaGrange and Bradford held by the Bureau of Public Lands on January 1, 1994. [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §§24-27 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Certain Bureau of Parks and Recreation Lands. [PL 1995, c. 502, Pt. E, §18 (RP).]

4. Baxter State Park Authority lands. Lands managed by the Baxter State Park Authority not acquired by deed of gift and not contiguous to Baxter State Park. Specifically, lands deeded by Governor Percival P. Baxter by deeds of gift and lands managed by the Baxter State Park Authority that are contiguous to Baxter State Park are not designated lands; [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]

5. Lands gifted to the State. Except as provided in subsection 4 , lands acquired by a deed of gift for conservation purposes; and [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]

6. Lands acquired pursuant to referendum. Lands acquired by the State through the Land for Maine's Future Board under Title 5, Part 15‑A . [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a state agency owning or holding designated land under this section may contract to operate or manage that land, provided that the contract does not violate any other provision of law. [PL 1993, c. 639, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12256 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12256
12 §12256. Disturbing traps of another
Status: in_force

A person may not disturb or take a trap or a wild animal from a trap, other than that person's own trap, without the consent of the owner of the trap, except that a landowner or occupant of land that the landowner or occupant is legally entitled to possess may remove any trap found on the land if permission has not been granted under section 12253, subsection 1 or 2 or the person has not obtained a written permit from the landowner to trap on that landowner's land with cage-type live traps within 1/2 mile of a built-up portion of a city or village. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11216 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11216
12 §11216. Hunting with aid of aircraft
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition on use of aircraft to hunt. A person on the ground or airborne may not use an aircraft to aid or assist in hunting: A. Bear; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Deer; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Moose. [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. Penalties. The following penalties apply to this section. A. A person who violates subsection 1 without the taking of a bear, deer or moose commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §148 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 and takes a bear, deer or moose commits a Class E crime for which the court shall impose 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).] C. A person who violates subsection 1 without the taking of a bear, deer or moose 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, §149 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §§148, 149 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 5017 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 428 / Section 5017
12 §5017. Disclosure of interest
Status: in_force

An applicant or permit holder who directly or indirectly retains an environmental professional for the purpose of providing information to the department shall disclose to the department if the environmental professional has either a direct or an indirect financial interest in the applicant or permit holder or in the property or activity that is the subject of the permit. [PL 2007, c. 399, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12202 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12202
12 §12202. Trapping by landowner
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 12201, subsection 1 and subject to all other applicable laws and rules, a resident and a member of the resident's immediate family, as long as the trapper's license to trap is not under suspension or revocation, may trap for wild animals without a trapping license issued under section 12201 on land: [PL 2015, c. 301, §29 (AMD).]

1. Possession. To which they are legally entitled to possession; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Domiciled. On which they are actually domiciled; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Agricultural purposes. [PL 2025, c. 126, §4 (RP).]

4. Minimum acreage. That is 10 or more contiguous acres in size. [PL 2025, c. 126, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1811 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1811
12 §1811. Management of wilderness or natural areas
Status: in_force

The bureau shall establish wilderness or natural areas, or both, from among lands classified as state parks and shall manage those areas primarily to preserve their natural character and features, and any use or development that threatens the character and features of those wilderness and natural areas is prohibited. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 8705 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8705
12 §8705. Community Forestry Fund
Status: in_force

1. Establishment of fund. The Community Forestry Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction of the bureau to promote the community forestry activities in the municipalities of the State. The bureau may apply for and accept any appropriation, grant, gift or service made available from any public or private sources consistent with the purpose of this section and shall deposit any such money into the fund. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. XXX, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Use of the fund. The bureau shall develop a process for municipalities to submit proposals and establish criteria for reviewing proposals and awarding grants from the fund for the purpose of developing and maintaining community forestry activities. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. XXX, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6974 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 631 / Section 6974
12 §6974. Legislative authority
Status: in_force

The Legislature has sole authority to designate a marine species as a state endangered or state threatened species or to remove a species or change the designation of a species listed in section 6975 . [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10056 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10056
12 §10056. Division of Public Information and Education
Status: in_force

The Division of Public Information and Education is established within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is responsible for the administration of programs to increase the public's knowledge and understanding of inland fisheries and wildlife resources and the management of these resources, including the administration of education programs for hunter safety and for the safe operation of snowmobiles, watercraft and all-terrain vehicles. The division's responsibilities include public education, promotion of inland fisheries and wildlife resources and the dissemination of information. The division's responsibilities also include conducting annual campaigns promoting safety in the handling and use of firearms, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles as well as campaigns promoting safety with respect to other outdoor activities to the extent the division determines doing so would help improve safety in the woodlands and inland waters of the State. Campaigns to promote safety must be designed to reach target audiences effectively through television, radio, Internet or other communication mediums. [PL 2019, c. 190, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10553 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10553
12 §10553. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Superior Court in all criminal prosecutions under this Part. The District Court has jurisdiction in all civil prosecutions under this Part. Any person arrested or summonsed as a violator of this Part must with reasonable diligence be taken before the District Court in the division nearest to where the offense is alleged to have been committed for prosecution, and in such case jurisdiction is granted to the District Court in adjoining divisions to be exercised in the same manner as if the offense had been committed in that division. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. F, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. F, §3 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6531 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6531
12 §6531. Licenses
Status: in_force

The commissioner may not issue a handfishing scallop license under section 6701 or a handfishing sea urchin license under section 6748 to any person for calendar year 1995 or later unless: [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

1. Completion of competency course. That person successfully completes a commercial underwater handharvesting competency course offered under section 6532 ; or [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

2. Grandfathered. The commissioner determines that that person meets the grandfather provisions of section 6534 . [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11104 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11104
12 §11104. Mental deficiency or illness; eligibility
Status: in_force

A person who is a mentally ill person, as defined in Title 34‑B, section 3801 , or who has a mental deficiency or mental illness, as those terms are defined in Title 34‑B, section 9002 , is ineligible to obtain a hunting license. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §112 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1865 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1865
12 §1865. Filled submerged and intertidal lands
Status: in_force

1. Legislative intent; purpose. The Legislature finds that the ownership of certain areas along the State's coast and great ponds is uncertain because portions of the submerged and intertidal lands have been filled in so as now not to be subject to tidal action or below water. These lands were filled prior to the enactment of Public Law 1975, chapter 287, the Submerged Lands Act, as recodified by Public Law 1979, chapter 545. It appears that prior to the enactment of the Submerged Lands Act, and to some degree afterwards, these filled-in portions of the submerged or intertidal lands have been sold, leased, taxed and otherwise treated in good faith by municipalities and private citizens as if they were owned in fee by private parties. Due to the lack of readily available documentation of the natural low-water and high-water marks in most areas along the coast and great ponds, the process of setting the boundaries between submerged or intertidal lands and the upland would consume enormous time and expense for the State and the private parties. The Legislature recognizes that the submerged lands are owned by the State for the benefit of the public. These lands are impressed with a public trust. This ownership and public trust is derived from the Massachusetts Colonial Ordinance of 1641-1647. As a result, submerged land is not, like ordinary private land, held in fee simple absolute but is impressed with the public trust, which gives the public's representatives an interest and responsibility in its development. The Legislature finds that those portions of the submerged and intertidal lands that have been filled prior to October 1, 1975, the date the Submerged Lands Act was effective, are substantially valueless for trust uses and such lands may be disposed of without impairment of the public trust in what remains. The public benefit will be promoted by clarifying the status of real estate titles to such filled lands, thereby permitting full use and development. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Filled land" means portions of the submerged and intertidal lands that have been rendered by human activity to be no longer subject to tidal action or below the natural low-water mark on October 1, 1975. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. "Intertidal land" means all land affected by the tides between natural high-water mark and either 100 rods seaward therefrom or the natural low-water mark, whichever is closer to the natural high-water mark. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. "Person" means individuals, partnerships, corporations and other private legal entities, but does not include the State and its political or government subdivisions or the Federal Government. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. "Submerged land" means all land affected by the tides seaward of the natural low-water mark or 100 rods from the natural high-water mark, whichever is closer to natural high-water mark and all land below natural low-water mark under great ponds. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

3. Declaration of clear title. Titles to properties and lands that once were or may have been submerged or intertidal lands subject to the State's ownership in public trust that were filled by October 1, 1975 are declared and released to the owners of any such filled lands by the State free of any claimed ownership in public trust to the extent the areas of these properties and lands were not submerged or intertidal lands on that date. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

4. Confirmation. Any person claiming an interest in such land may seek confirmation from the bureau that particular land is filled land and receive a declaration that may be filed in the appropriate registry of deeds. Such confirmation may not be construed to create any rights of ownership in any person per se but is declaratory of the status of the land as to whether it had been filled by October 1, 1975. The application for confirmation must be filed on a form prescribed by the bureau, which must contain the following information: A. Name and address of applicant; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. An accurate legal description of the filled land, proof that the land was filled by October 1, 1975 and sufficient details, such as a survey by a registered land surveyor, to locate the filled land on a map of general acceptability; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. The acreage of the filled land; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. The date acquired; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] E. Evidence that written notice of the application for confirmation has been sent to any other owners of record; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] F. Other information necessary for the purposes of this section. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] A filing fee of $50 must accompany each application to cover administrative costs. The money must be deposited and disbursed in accordance with section 1849 to accomplish the purposes of this section. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

5. Filing. The following provisions apply to filing. A. The application may be filed with the bureau at any time. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] B. If the applicant demonstrates that the land is filled land as defined in subsection 2, paragraph A , the director shall issue a declaration to that effect. The director shall respond to the application within 30 days of the date the application is received by the director. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

6. Termination of leases. Any leases entered into by the director pursuant to section 1862 for filled land are terminated. Lessees may not be reimbursed for rental paid under such leases. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

7. Operation of this section; retroactive date. This section does not create a cause of action on behalf of any person against the State for damages or otherwise arising out of state ownership of lands before December 25, 1981. A declaration of confirmation by the bureau pursuant to subsection 4 does not constitute a decision by the State as to which claimant, if any, may have title, and the State, its officers, agents and employees are not liable to any person by reason of having made or having refused to make such a declaration. Failure to apply for or receive confirmation or a declaration under subsection 4 does not affect any rights granted or released by this section. This section may not be construed to affect the rules of law otherwise in force relating to accretion or reliction of filled or other lands along the great ponds or the coast, nor to either convey or release rights or interest acquired by the State in filled lands by gift, purchase or the power of eminent domain or to affect any obligations, rights or liabilities created by the operation of Title 38, sections 480‑B to 480‑F , 480‑Q and 480‑R or by permits issued under those sections. This section is retroactive to October 1, 1975. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6674 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6674
12 §6674. Interference with municipal shellfish aquaculture permit
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not knowingly interfere with the ability of a person who holds a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit to carry out the privileges granted to the permittee under that permit. Except for the permittee or the permittee's designee, a person may not take, disturb or molest any shellfish in the intertidal zone in the area that is included in a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit. [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).]

3. Restitution. In addition to the penalty under subsection 2 , if a person violates this section by interfering with the ability of a person who holds a municipal shellfish aquaculture permit to carry out the privileges granted to that permittee under that permit, the court shall: A. Order that person to pay to the holder of the municipal shellfish aquaculture permit an amount equal to twice the replacement value of any damaged equipment on the permit site; and [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).] B. Direct that person to provide proof of payment of restitution under paragraph A to the commissioner. [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 225, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11652 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11652
12 §11652. Bag limits
Status: in_force

1. One moose per permit holder. A person may not exceed the bag limit of one moose per permit holder. In the case of a permittee and a subpermittee, the permit allows one of them to take one moose. Except as provided in sections 12401 and 12402 , a person may not shoot more than one moose in a calendar year. A person may keep more than one legally obtained moose in that person's home at any time. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Possession. A person may not possess a moose in violation of this section. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative of not less than 3 days for the first offense, 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. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 205 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 205
12 §205. Findings and purposes
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that the conservation of soil and water are essential to the continued productivity of our agricultural lands and the purity of our waters. Yet the economic realities of modern farming have led to more intensive cultivating methods which exhaust topsoil and erode croplands faster than ever before. Presently, Maine's average rate of soil loss is approximately twice the sustainable rate of erosion. Approximately 15% of the state's eroded soil finds its way into our lakes and streams, which become polluted by the fine sediments, fertilizers and pesticides they carry. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of Maine's livestock and poultry farms are unequipped to productively use or cleanly dispose of animal wastes. The improper handling of animal wastes contributes both to soil depletion and water pollution. [PL 1983, c. 522 (NEW).]

Conservation programs and practices initiated and encouraged by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine's 16 soil and water conservation districts and federal conservation agencies have been demonstrably effective in reducing soil loss and implementing animal waste management plans. Resource conservation demands a continuing commitment of both financial and human resources. Many conservation practices have limited lifetimes or require annual maintenance. Changing agricultural production methods and technologies also require new cropping arrangements and new erosion control systems. [PL 1983, c. 522 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

Virtually all public financing for conservation practices in Maine, 98¢ of every government dollar spent, has been provided by the Federal Government, but the amount of federal spending has been steadily decreasing in constant dollars since 1972. Even under federally-funded programs, the farmer-landowner has been responsible for 25% to 100% of project costs. Because of low financial returns, many concerned farmers have been unable to set aside the money to finance their share of installation costs for conservation systems. [PL 1983, c. 522 (NEW).]

To continue the progress already made in soil and water conservation, State Government will need to assume a greater share of conservation spending than it has in the past. It is the intent of the Legislature that the largest portion of new funding be devoted to the development of innovative conservation projects by the soil and water conservation districts. [PL 1983, c. 522 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10759 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10759
12 §10759. Expiration
Status: in_force

All licenses and permits issued under this chapter expire at midnight on December 31st of the calendar year for which the license or permit was issued, unless specifically provided for otherwise. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1840 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1840
12 §1840. Revenue sharing on nonreserved public land
Status: in_force

Twenty-five percent of the net revenue from any nonreserved public land, excluding proceeds from the sale of land, located in municipalities and managed by the bureau must be returned by the Treasurer of State to the municipality where the land generating the income is located to be used for municipal purposes. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6404 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6404
12 §6404. Revocation based on conviction of scrubbing lobsters
Status: in_force

The commissioner may permanently revoke the lobster and crab fishing license, wholesale seafood license and the commercial fishing license of any license holder or the nonresident lobster and crab landing permit of a permit holder convicted in court of violating section 6438-A . [PL 2017, c. 197, §7 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6746-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6746-A
12 §6746-A. Night prohibition
Status: in_force

A person may not fish for or take mussels pursuant to section 6746 between sunset and sunrise within the territorial waters except that the commissioner may authorize the harvest of seed mussels during those times. [PL 2007, c. 615, §17 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1875 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1875
12 §1875. Control of water areas; permitted and prohibited uses
Status: in_force

1. Power watercraft. Power watercraft may be used in the waterway only as follows. A. Watercraft equipped with power propulsion of any kind or any other motorized equipment are allowed on Telos Lake, Round Pond (T. 6, R. 11) and Chamberlain Lake as permitted by rule of the bureau. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] B. Canoes equipped with one motor not to exceed 10 horsepower are allowed in the waterway except on Allagash Lake and Allagash Stream. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Except as permitted by paragraphs A and B , watercraft equipped with power propulsion are not allowed in the waterway. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Landing of aircraft. The landing of aircraft within the waterway is prohibited, except for: A. Emergency use; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. Necessary use by state agencies and departments; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Use within landing areas and for purposes designated by the bureau; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] D. Landing of aircraft when water areas are frozen, except as permitted by rule of the bureau. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Motor-driven snowsleds. The use of motor-driven snowsleds is prohibited within the waterway except as permitted by rule of the bureau. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 8866 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8866
12 §8866. Purpose
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares that the State's forests are resources of great significance to the people of the State. These resources have great economic value, environmental value, scenic beauty and unique characteristics and unsurpassed recreational, cultural and historical values of present and future benefit to the citizens of the State. The well-being of communities of the State depends upon sustainable forest management. Liquidation harvesting is a serious and direct threat to forest management, forest industries and rural communities over the landscape of Maine. Liquidation harvesting produces significant adverse economic and environmental effects and threatens the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the State. Liquidation harvesting is incompatible with responsible forest stewardship and must be substantially eliminated. [PL 2003, c. 422, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11855 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11855
12 §11855. Unlawful use of migratory game birds
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. Unless specifically permitted by regulations of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 United States Code, Sections 703 to 712, or by rules adopted by the commissioner in conformity with Title 5, Part 18 , except section 8052, subsection 3 of that Title, a person may not: A. Hunt migratory game birds; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Possess migratory game birds; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Transport migratory game birds; or [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. Buy or sell migratory game birds. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11106 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11106
12 §11106. Eligibility for archery hunting license
Status: in_force

1. Age requirement. A person is eligible to obtain an archery hunting license as provided in this section. A. A resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older who has satisfied the requirements of subsection 2 or holds an apprenticeship hunter license, or who is exempt under subsection 3 , may obtain an archery hunting license to hunt with archery equipment in accordance with section 10952 from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent. [PL 2023, c. 239, §14 (AMD).] B. A resident or nonresident under 16 years of age may hunt with archery equipment if that person holds a valid junior hunting license. [PL 2023, c. 239, §14 (AMD).] Beginning January 1, 2016, for those persons who obtain a junior hunting license and turn 16 years of age during the same calendar year, the archery hunting license is included even after the person has turned 16 years of age as long as that person is hunting on that person's valid junior hunting license and not longer than the remainder of the calendar year for which the license is issued. [PL 2023, c. 239, §14 (AMD).]

2. Archery hunter education requirements. Except as provided in paragraph A and subsection 3 , a person who applies for an archery hunting license other than a junior hunting license or an apprenticeship hunter license must submit proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course as described in section 10108 or an equivalent archery hunter education course or satisfactory evidence of having previously held a valid adult archery hunting license issued specifically for the purpose of hunting with bow and arrow in this State or any other state, province or country in any year after 1979 or satisfactory evidence of previously holding a crossbow permit issued in this State as of December 31, 2023. When proof or evidence cannot be otherwise provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit that the applicant has previously held the required adult archery hunting license or has successfully completed the required archery hunter education course. A. A person who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Mi'kmaq Nation who presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council stating that the person is an enrolled member of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this paragraph is exempt from the requirements of this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 239, §15 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 239, §15 (AMD).]

3. Archery hunter education course exemption for members of armed forces domiciled in State. A member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who is permanently stationed outside of the United States and home on leave is exempt from archery hunter education course requirements under subsection 2 if that member shows proof at the time of application for the license that that member's home state of record, as recorded in that person's military service records, is Maine. A person who no longer meets the conditions for an exemption under this subsection must satisfy the requirements of subsection 2 . [PL 2013, c. 139, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6074 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6074
12 §6074. Special license
Status: in_force

The commissioner may issue a special license for research, aquaculture or education that exempts the holder from one or more marine resources' laws as to the time, place, length, condition, amount and manner of taking or possessing a marine organism. Except as provided in subsection 8 , the commissioner may not issue a special license unless the application for that license is approved by the advisory council. [PL 1995, c. 567, §1 (AMD).]

1. Exception. A special license does not permit the holder to sell or, beyond the state limits, to ship or transport any marine organism that is less than the minimum size established by statute. This subsection does not apply to: A. [PL 1999, c. 156, §2 (RP).] B. Any species grown in a hatchery for stock enhancement or resale for purposes of cultivation or stock enhancement; or [PL 2013, c. 301, §4 (AMD).] C. Scallop spat collected under the authority of a special license and sold for the purpose of placement on a lease site authorized pursuant to section 6072 or 6072‑A or under the authority of a license issued pursuant to section 6072‑C . For purposes of this paragraph, until September 1, 2015, "scallop spat" means scallops less than 40 millimeters in the longest diameter and, beginning September 1, 2015, "scallop spat" means scallops less than 25 millimeters in the longest diameter. [PL 2013, c. 301, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 301, §4 (AMD).]

2. Application. The application shall include a description of the proposed project including the objectives, the location and the estimated time of completion of the project. The application shall also include a list of the sections of law or regulation for which exemptions are required, and the specific reasons for each requested exemption. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

3. Filing fee. Each application must include a nonrefundable filing fee of $100. The fee may be waived for research activity by institutions or organizations financed in whole or part by state funding. A filing fee may not be required from a municipality applying for a special license for using a hydraulic dredge under section 6623 . [PL 2003, c. 513, Pt. N, §1 (AMD).]

4. Limitation. The special license shall authorize only the individual named in the license to undertake the licensed activities. Any individual engaged in handling or harvesting marine organisms in the licensed project shall be listed on the license or supplemental license. The commissioner may, at any time, place conditions or limitations on the licensed activities which shall become part of the license. [PL 1977, c. 713, §2 (AMD).]

5. Fees. At the time of the initial issuance of a special license, and each year upon renewal, an annual fee must be paid. The annual fee for a special license for no more than 2 individuals is $50. An annual fee for a special license for more than 2 individuals but no more than 10 individuals is $100. Additional individuals may be included in a special license in groups up to 10 for an additional $100 per group. The fee may be waived for research activity by institutions or organizations financed in whole or in part by state funding. A license fee may not be required from a municipality for a special license for using a hydraulic dredge under section 6623 . A license fee may not be required for employees of the department when they are acting in their capacity as employees under the direction of the commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative. [PL 2003, c. 513, Pt. N, §2 (AMD).]

6. Renewal. A. The initial issuance of each special license must specify the number of times the license may be renewed after the initial issuance. Each license may be renewed at least 4 times. The commissioner, with the advice and consent of the advisory council, may authorize renewals if the necessary investment in the research or aquaculture requires additional renewals. [PL 2003, c. 513, Pt. N, §3 (AMD).] B. The commissioner shall annually renew the license on request for the authorized number of renewals, unless the license holder has not complied with the conditions of the license or the commissioner finds that renewal is not in the best interest of the State. Renewals do not require a new application or filing fee and do not require the advice and consent of the advisory council. [PL 2003, c. 513, Pt. N, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2003, c. 513, Pt. N, §3 (AMD).]

7. Transportation permit. A transportation permit is required for a special license holder to ship, transport or sell any marine organism raised or harvested under a special license. The commissioner may place conditions or limitations on the activities authorized by this permit to the extent necessary to provide proper controls and to comply with federal or state health or sanitation standards. The commissioner shall annually renew the permit on request unless the permit holder has not complied with the conditions of the permit or unless the permit holder no longer holds a special license. [PL 2019, c. 501, §6 (AMD).]

8. Council approval not required. Approval by the advisory council is not required for a special license issued by the commissioner to the following: A. An employee of the department when the employee is acting under the direction of the commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative; [PL 1995, c. 567, §2 (NEW).] B. A person who operates an aquarium; [PL 1995, c. 567, §2 (NEW).] C. A person who operates a festival; [PL 1995, c. 567, §2 (NEW).] D. A person who undertakes a public service activity; [PL 2003, c. 104, §1 (AMD).] E. A municipality that operates a hydraulic or mechanical soft-shell clam dredge for municipal transplanting projects under section 6623 ; or [PL 2003, c. 104, §1 (AMD).] F. A teacher who is providing a primary, secondary or postsecondary school program for educational purposes only. [PL 2013, c. 301, §5 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 301, §5 (AMD).]

9. Penalty. An individual who fails to comply with the conditions or limitations on the licensed activity 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. 513, Pt. N, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1845 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1845
12 §1845. Definitions relating to public reserved lands
Status: reserved

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

1. Multiple use. "Multiple use" means: A. The management of all of the various renewable surface resources of the public reserved lands including outdoor recreation, timber, watershed, fish and wildlife and other public purposes; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. Making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources over areas large and diverse enough to provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. That some land will not be used for all of the resources; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. The harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources without impairing the productivity of the land and with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Sustained yield. "Sustained yield" means the achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level regular periodic output of the various renewable resources of the public reserved lands without impairing the productivity of the land. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11221 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11221
12 §11221. Disposal of offal; littering
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not drop, deposit, discard, dump or otherwise dispose of a carcass, waste parts or remains of a wild animal, except waste parts or remains resulting from the normal field dressing of lawfully harvested wild game or the lawful use of waste parts or remains of wild game as bait. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §152 (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. Additionally, a person who violates subsection 1 violates the Maine Litter Control Act, Title 17, chapter 80 and is subject to the penalties set forth in that Act. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §152 (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, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10552 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10552
12 §10552. Compulsory testimony and witness immunity
Status: in_force

In any prosecution under this Part, any participant in a violation of this Part, when requested by the district attorney, commissioner or other officer instituting the prosecution, may be compelled to testify as a witness against any other person charged with violating this Part, but the evidence given may not be used against the person testifying in any prosecution for such a violation. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §61 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12810 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12810
12 §12810. Delisted species
Status: in_force

1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "delisted species" means a species that was listed as a state endangered or threatened species under section 12803 and after 2007 was removed from that list by the Legislature. The following is a delisted species: A. Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus. [PL 2009, c. 60, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 60, §2 (NEW).]

2. Prohibited acts regarding delisted species. Except as otherwise authorized by the commissioner pursuant to this Part, a person may not intentionally: A. Import into the State or export out of the State a delisted species. A person who violates this paragraph commits a Class D crime, for which a fine of $2,000 must be adjudged, none of which may be suspended; [PL 2019, c. 267, §3 (AMD).] B. Hunt, trap, harass or possess a delisted species within the State. A person who violates this paragraph commits a Class D crime, for which a fine of $2,000 must be adjudged, none of which may be suspended; or [PL 2019, c. 267, §3 (AMD).] C. Process, sell, offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport or ship, by any means whatsoever, a delisted species or any part of a delisted species. A person who violates this paragraph commits a Class D crime, for which a fine of $2,000 must be adjudged, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2019, c. 267, §3 (AMD).] D. [PL 2019, c. 267, §3 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 267, §3 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12259 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12259
12 §12259. Trapping beaver
Status: in_force

1. Snares. A person may use snares to trap for beaver during the open beaver trapping season. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Rules. All rules adopted pursuant to section 10104, subsection 1 pertaining to the trapping of beaver with killer-type traps also apply to the trapping of beaver with snares. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Nonresident trapping beaver. A nonresident may not trap beaver in this State unless that nonresident's state or province of residency allows Maine residents to trap beaver in that state or province. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2011, c. 253, §25 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12101 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12101
12 §12101. License to operate commercial shooting area
Status: in_force

1. Issuance. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. License required. A person may not charge others for the opportunity to hunt mallard ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge and Hungarian partridge in an area or establish a commercial shooting area for such purposes unless that person has a valid license issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a civil violation. A. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the operator of a commercial shooting area from authorizing a person to hunt other wild birds or wild animals in the commercial shooting area during the regular open season on those species, in accordance with this Part, as long as the person possesses a valid state hunting license that allows the hunting of those wild birds and wild animals. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2023, c. 431, §14 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).]

1-B. Issuance. The commissioner may issue licenses authorizing the establishment and operation of commercial shooting areas to qualified applicants. A commercial shooting area license authorizes the owner of a commercial shooting area to charge others for the opportunity to hunt mallard ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge and Hungarian partridge in that area. A commercial shooting area license is valid for one year and is renewable annually. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-C. Prohibition; remote-control hunting. An owner or operator of a commercial shooting area may not use a website, or a service or business via any other means, that permits a person to hunt or attempt to hunt a wild animal or wild bird that is located in this State through the use of a computer-controlled gun, shooting apparatus or any other remote-control device when the person using the website, service or business is physically removed from the immediate vicinity of the wild animal or wild bird. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2017, c. 205, §11 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility. In order to qualify for a commercial shooting area license: A. The location of the land must be at least 5 miles from another commercial shooting area, as measured by a straight line between the property lines at their closest points to each other; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The land must be between 200 acres and 400 acres in area; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The land must be contiguous. Property bisected by a road or highway is considered to be contiguous for purposes of this paragraph; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. The land must be owned or leased by the licensed operator of the commercial shooting area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] A person is ineligible to receive a new shooting area license within 6 months of the expiration of the license for another shooting area located within 5 miles unless the holder of the expired license states in writing to the commissioner that that license will be abandoned. A renewal of a shooting area license may be issued for a commercial shooting area within 5 miles of another commercial shooting area, notwithstanding paragraph A , as long as the renewed license is applied for within 6 months following the expiration of the old license. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Fees. The fee for a commercial shooting area license is: A. For the first year of operation, $502; and [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §21 (AMD).] B. For each subsequent year, $252, payable prior to July 1st of each year. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §21 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §21 (AMD).]

4. Requirements. The following requirements apply to a commercial shooting area. A. The operator of the commercial shooting area shall maintain and keep open to inspection by representatives of the department a register of: (1) The name and address of each person shooting in the area; (2) The date or dates when that person hunted in the area; and (3) The number and type of birds killed by that person. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The operator of the commercial shooting area shall provide to each person taking birds in that area a receipted invoice or bill of sale for possession and transportation of those birds. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The operator of the commercial shooting area shall mark the boundary of the shooting area in a manner prescribed by the commissioner and shall post the boundary conspicuously with signs or other markings approved by the commissioner. The signs or markings must be of a color, size and wording prescribed by the commissioner and must be placed not more than 250 feet apart facing the outside of the area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4-A. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 4 . A. A person who violates subsection 4 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, §199 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 4 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Enforcement. Enforcement of the trespass laws of a commercial shooting area is the responsibility of the owner and is not in any manner to be considered an obligation of the department. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Exceptions. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §199 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 9322 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9322
12 §9322. Permits in the unorganized territory
Status: in_force

1. Permits. No person may kindle or use an out-of-door fire in the unorganized territory unless a permit has been obtained from the director. The director may issue a permit on lands of another unless the majority ownerships of the land have withdrawn permission in writing to the director. [PL 1983, c. 556, §13 (AMD).]

2. Exemptions. This section does not apply to the use of portable stoves which are fueled by propane gas, gasoline or sterno; to recreational fires kindled when the ground is covered with snow; or to residential use of outdoor grills and fireplaces for recreational purposes, such as preparing food. [PL 1989, c. 174, §6 (AMD).]

3. Resident guides. Upon application, the Director of the Bureau of Forestry may issue a statewide yearly permit for out-of-door fires to resident guides licensed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The director may restrict the scope of a permit to correspond with the classification of the guide license. Use of the permit is conditional upon the permittee: A. Possessing a valid guide license; [PL 1993, c. 555, §2 (NEW).] B. Complying with any landowner campfire restrictions; [PL 1993, c. 555, §2 (NEW).] C. Complying with applicable out-of-door burning laws; and [PL 1993, c. 555, §2 (NEW).] D. Complying with out-of-door fire restrictions established by the director for the area in which and the time during which fires are made. [PL 1993, c. 555, §2 (NEW).] The director shall revoke the permit of any person who violates any condition or restriction established by this subsection. The director is not required to comply with the provisions of Title 4, chapter 5 or Title 5, chapter 375 in revoking a permit under this subsection. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §33 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

4. Saco River Corridor. For the purpose of issuing permits under this section, the lands within Oxford County within the Saco River Corridor, so designated by Private and Special Law 1973, chapter 150, as amended, shall be subject to the same requirements and procedures as lands within the unorganized territory. [PL 1983, c. 556, §14 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11853 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11853
12 §11853. Closed season; Haley Pond
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not hunt waterfowl on Haley Pond in the Town of Rangeley and Dallas Plantation in the County of Franklin. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (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, §185 (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, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §185 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6961 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 629 / Section 6961
12 §6961. Great Salt Bay marine shellfish preserve
Status: in_force

1. Designation; prohibition. The Great Salt Bay is designated as a marine shellfish preserve in which the harvesting of any shellfish species and other harvesting activities involving bottom disturbance are prohibited, except that the commissioner may authorize research activities in the area. [PL 2001, c. 558, §1 (NEW).]

2. Great Salt Bay defined. For the purposes of this section, "Great Salt Bay" means the tidal portion of the Damariscotta River in the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro that is north of a line extending between 2 points of land located 600 yards north of the U.S. Route 1 highway bridge. [PL 2001, c. 558, §1 (NEW).]

3. Research activities. This section does not apply to research activities in the Great Salt Bay that are authorized by the commissioner. [PL 2001, c. 558, §1 (NEW).]

4. Taking of finfish. Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the taking of finfish from the Great Salt Bay. [PL 2001, c. 558, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 682 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 206-A / Section 682
12 §682. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms shall have the following meanings. [PL 1979, c. 541, Pt. A, §127 (NEW).]

1. Unorganized and deorganized areas. "Unorganized and deorganized areas" includes: A. All unorganized and deorganized townships; [PL 2011, c. 682, §4 (NEW).] B. Plantations that have not received commission approval under section 685‑A, subsection 4‑A to implement their own land use controls; [PL 2011, c. 682, §4 (NEW).] C. Municipalities that have organized since 1971 that have not received commission approval under section 685‑A, subsection 4‑A to implement their own land use controls; and [PL 2011, c. 682, §4 (NEW).] D. All other areas of the State that are not part of a municipality except Indian reservations. [PL 2011, c. 682, §4 (NEW).] For the purposes of permitting a community-based offshore wind energy project and structures associated with resource analysis activities necessary for such an intended project, the area of submerged land to be occupied for such a project and resource analysis structures is considered to be in the unorganized or deorganized areas. [PL 2011, c. 682, §4 (RPR).]

2. Subdivision. [PL 2001, c. 431, §1 (RP).]

2-A. Subdivision. Except as provided in section 682‑B , "subdivision" means a division of an existing parcel of land into 3 or more parcels or lots within any 5-year period, whether this division is accomplished by platting of the land for immediate or future sale, by sale of the land or by leasing. The term "subdivision" also includes the division, placement or construction of a structure or structures on a tract or parcel of land resulting in 3 or more dwelling units within a 5-year period. [PL 2001, c. 431, §2 (NEW).]

3. Building. Building shall mean any structure having a roof, partial roof supported by columns or walls used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or objects regardless of the materials of which it is constructed. [PL 1971, c. 457, §2 (RPR).]

4. Structure. "Structure" means anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on or in the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on or in the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, mobile homes, retaining walls, billboards, signs, piers and floats. It does not include a wharf, fish weir or trap that may be licensed under Title 38, chapter 9 . [PL 1999, c. 333, §2 (AMD).]

5. Accessory use or accessory structure. Accessory use or accessory structure shall include a use or structure subordinate to a permitted or conditional use or structure and customarily incidental to the permitted or conditional use of the structure. [PL 1973, c. 569, §4 (AMD).]

6. Person. Person shall mean an individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company, corporation, state agency or other legal entity. [PL 1971, c. 457, §2 (NEW).]

7. Development. Development shall mean any land use activity or activities directed toward using, reusing or rehabilitating air space, land, water or other natural resources, excluding, however, such specific uses or classes and categories of uses as the commission may by regulation determine do not need regulating to achieve the purpose, intent and provisions of this chapter. [PL 1973, c. 569, §5 (AMD).]

8. Land use district. Land use district shall mean the area located within the boundaries of air, land or water delineated vertically or horizontally by the commission for distinct categories of use. [PL 1973, c. 569, §5 (AMD).]

8-A. Moratorium. "Moratorium" means a temporary land use regulation or ordinance approved by the commission or a municipal legislative body which prevents development or subdivision by withholding authorization or approval necessary for development. [PL 1989, c. 47, §1 (NEW).]

9. Nonconforming structure. Nonconforming structure shall mean a structure, lawfully existing at the time of adoption of district regulations or subsequent amendment made thereto, that does not conform to the district regulations. [PL 1971, c. 457, §2 (NEW).]

10. Nonconforming use. Nonconforming use shall mean a use of air, land, water or natural resources or a parcel of land, lawfully existing at the time of adoption of district regulation or subsequent amendments made thereto, that does not conform to the district regulations. [PL 1971, c. 457, §2 (NEW).]

11. Dwelling unit. "Dwelling unit" means any part of a structure which, through sale or lease, is intended for human habitation, including single-family and multifamily housing, condominiums, time-share units, and apartments. [PL 1987, c. 885, §2 (NEW).]

12. Real estate. "Real estate" means land and structures attached to it. [PL 1987, c. 885, §2 (NEW).]

13. Spaghetti-lot. "Spaghetti-lot" means a parcel of land with a lot depth to shore frontage ratio greater than 5 to 1. Shore frontage means land abutting a river, stream, brook, coastal wetland or great pond as these features are defined in Title 38, section 480‑B . [PL 1989, c. 762, §1 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 762, §4 (AFF).]

14. Commercial sporting camp. "Commercial sporting camp" means a building or group of buildings devoted primarily to the offering of primitive lodging facilities for a fee to persons primarily in pursuit of primitive recreation or snowmobiling. [PL 1995, c. 386, §1 (NEW).]

15. Minor campground. "Minor campground" means a camping location containing tents, registered tent trailers, registered pickup campers, registered recreational vehicles, registered trailers or similar devices used for camping. "Minor campground" does not include a camping location that has access to a pressurized water system or permanent structures other than outhouses, fireplaces, picnic tables, picnic tables with shelters or lean-tos. A minor campground may be designed to contain a maximum of 4 camping sites for transient occupancy by 12 or fewer people per site, or numbers of sites and occupancy rates consistent with a landowner's recreational policy filed with the commission. The commission may require a permit if it determines that the recreational policy is inconsistent with the commission's comprehensive land use plan. [PL 2025, c. 11, §1 (AMD).]

16. Setback. "Setback" means the minimum horizontal distance from a lot line, shoreline or road to the nearest part of a structure. [PL 1995, c. 386, §1 (NEW).]

17. Shoreline. "Shoreline" means the normal high water mark of tidal waters, a coastal or inland wetland, a standing body of water or flowing water. [PL 1995, c. 386, §1 (NEW).]

18. Transient occupancy. "Transient occupancy" means occupancy that does not exceed 150 days in a calendar year. [PL 2025, c. 61, §1 (AMD).]

19. Community-based offshore wind energy project. "Community-based offshore wind energy project" means a wind energy development, as defined by Title 35‑A, section 3451, subsection 11 , with an aggregate generating capacity of less than 3 megawatts that meets the following criteria: the generating facilities are wholly or partially located on or above the coastal submerged lands of the State; the generating facilities are located within one nautical mile of one or more islands that are within the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State and the project will offset part or all of the electricity requirements of those island communities; and the development meets the definition of "community-based renewable energy project" as defined by Title 35‑A, section 3602, subsection 1 . [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).]

20. Planned subdistrict. "Planned subdistrict" means a delineated area for which a specific land use plan and standards have been agreed to by the owner of the land within the delineated area and approved by the commission. [PL 2011, c. 682, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1838 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1838
12 §1838. Transfer or lease of nonreserved public lands
Status: in_force

1. Transfer of management responsibility to other state agencies. The bureau may transfer the responsibility for the management of particular portions of nonreserved public land within its jurisdiction to any other state agency upon conditions and for periods the bureau specifies when such a transfer is pursuant to a management plan and has received the written consent of the receiving agency, the Governor and the commissioner. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to negate or affect obligations of the State undertaken in any existing lease, easement or other binding agreement or obligations of the State undertaken by the acceptance of any deed or other grant of an interest in real property. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Public roads. The bureau may grant the right to construct and maintain public roads. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Lease of nonreserved public land to other state agencies. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the bureau may lease the right to use parcels of nonreserved public land to other agencies of the State for a period not exceeding 25 years for purposes of protecting, enhancing or developing the natural, scenic or wilderness qualities or recreational, scientific or educational uses. Each such lease must contain a provision that authorizes the bureau to terminate the lease at any time when the bureau in its sole discretion determines that termination is in the best interests of the State. No adjustment or compensation may be due any lessee under this subsection on account of such a termination. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

4. Lease of nonreserved public land for utilities and rights-of-way. The bureau may lease the right, for a term not exceeding 25 years, to: A. Set and maintain or use poles, electric power transmission and telecommunication transmission facilities, roads, bridges and landing strips; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. Lay and maintain or use pipelines and railroad tracks; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Establish and maintain or use other rights-of-way. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

5. Lease of nonreserved public land for private uses. The director may lease campsites, garages, depots, warehouses and other structures located on nonreserved public land, or sites for the same, for a term not exceeding 5 years, and also: A. May grant options to renew such leases for a further term not to exceed 15 years in the case of a commercial use that in the judgment of the director requires the option to secure adequate financing for the maintenance or improvement of facilities located on public nonreserved public land; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. In the case of leases acquired by the State on nonreserved public land, shall authorize, upon reasonable terms and conditions, the transfer of leasehold interests from one lessee of a residential campsite to another. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

6. Lease of nonreserved public lands for industrial and commercial purposes. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the bureau may lease mill privileges and other rights in land for industrial and commercial purposes; dam sites; dump sites; the rights to pen, construct, put in, maintain and use ditches, tunnels, conduits, flumes and other works for the drainage and passage of water; flowage rights; and other rights of value in the nonreserved public lands for a term not exceeding 10 years. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

7. Lease of nonreserved public lands to Federal Government. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner and with the approval of the Legislature, the director may lease to the Federal Government the right to use nonreserved public lands. [PL 1999, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]

8. Lease of nonreserved public lands to municipalities. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the bureau may lease the right to use parcels of nonreserved public land to municipalities and other political subdivisions of the State for a period not exceeding 25 years for purposes of protecting, enhancing or developing the natural, scenic or wilderness qualities or recreational, scientific or educational uses of the land. Each such lease must contain a provision that authorizes the bureau to terminate the lease at any time when the bureau in its sole discretion determines that termination is in the best interests of the State. No adjustment or compensation may be due any lessee under this subsection on account of such a termination. The director may lease to incorporated towns the right to manage timber on all or part of the nonreserved public land within the boundaries of the towns in accordance with multiple use management plans, subject to the following conditions. A. A management plan submitted to the director by a town must be approved or disapproved by the director within 60 days of submission or the plan is deemed approved. The director shall conduct the same interagency reviews and apply the same standards in evaluating such management plans that are being applied in developing the bureau's own management plans as of the date of submission. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] B. The leases must be for a period not exceeding 15 years and may be renewed if the director determines that the management plans have been implemented and substantially complied with in a professionally acceptable manner. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. The director may terminate the lease at any time, without adjustment or compensation due any lessee, if the termination is in the best interests of the State. The director shall give 30 days' written notice before termination. The director shall hold a public hearing if requested by the lessee within 30 days of that notice. The director shall issue written notice of a final decision within 30 days of the hearing. The decision of the director may be appealed to the Superior Court. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. Public access to land leased under this subsection may not be unreasonably denied. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] E. No lease may convey any interest in land affected other than those permitted by this section. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

9. Lease of nonreserved public land to private nonprofit organizations. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the bureau may lease the right to use parcels of nonreserved public land to private, nonprofit organizations for a period not exceeding 25 years for purposes of protecting, enhancing or developing the natural, scenic or wilderness qualities or recreational, scientific or educational uses of the land. Each such lease must contain a provision that authorizes the bureau to terminate the lease at any time when the bureau in its sole discretion determines that termination is in the best interests of the State. No adjustment or compensation may be due any lessee under this subsection on account of that termination. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

10. Lease for cultivating edible crops, hay or pasturage for livestock. Pursuant to the right to food as declared in the Constitution of Maine, Article I, Section 25 and consistent with section 598‑A , the bureau, with the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, may lease the right to use parcels of nonreserved public land for purposes of cultivating edible crops, hay or pasturage for dairy animals or other livestock. Each lease must contain a provision that authorizes the bureau to terminate the lease at any time when the bureau in its sole discretion determines that termination is in the best interests of the State. The bureau may not issue any adjustment or compensation to any lessee under this subsection on account of that termination. The bureau, to the extent practicable, in establishing a lease under this subsection, may give priority consideration to individuals with a history of generational poverty or land dispossession in the United States or to individuals who are veterans. For purposes of this subsection, "veteran" means an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces and meets the definition of "veteran" under 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 3.1 or who has served or is currently serving in the Maine Army National Guard or Maine Air National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces. [PL 2025, c. 309, §17 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13072 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13072
12 §13072. Harbor masters on inland waters
Status: in_force

1. Appointment; compensation. The municipal officers of a town that borders or contains inland waters but does not border or contain territorial waters may appoint a harbor master for a term of not less than one year and may establish the harbor master's compensation. Except as provided in subsection 2‑A , the harbor master is subject to all the duties and liabilities of that office as prescribed by state law, municipal ordinances and rules promulgated by the municipality. The municipal officers may remove the harbor master from office for cause, declared in writing, after due notice to the harbor master and a hearing, if requested. For purposes of this subsection, "territorial waters" has the same meaning as provided in section 6001, subsection 48‑B . [PL 2005, c. 492, §2 (AMD).]

2. Authority and responsibility. Except as provided in subsection 2‑A , a harbor master appointed under this section shall enforce the watercraft laws of the State and the municipality on any water within the jurisdiction of the municipality. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 627, §4 (AMD).]

2-A. Authority to enforce invasive aquatic species laws. A municipality may appoint a harbor master whose only duties are to enforce the provisions of section 13058 and section 13068‑A, subsections 1 and 15 on any water within the jurisdiction of the municipality. [RR 2003, c. 2, §22 (COR).]

3. Jointly appointed harbor masters. The municipal officers of 2 or more municipalities that border on the same inland waters may jointly appoint a single harbor master who has authority over the jurisdictions of all the participating municipalities. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Power to arrest for assault. The municipal officers may prohibit a harbor master from making an arrest or carrying a weapon. A harbor master who is not prohibited from making arrests may arrest and deliver to the law enforcement authorities on shore any person committing an assault upon the harbor master or another person acting under the harbor master's authority. A harbor master may not make arrests or carry a firearm unless the harbor master has successfully completed the training requirements prescribed in Title 25, section 2804‑I . [PL 2005, c. 492, §3 (NEW).]

5. Mooring sites. The regulation of moorings in inland waters is governed by Title 38 , except that Title 38 may not be construed to require the municipal officers of a town that does not border or contain territorial waters to appoint a harbor master upon the request of a person desiring mooring privileges or the regulation of mooring privileges. Nothing in this subsection limits or expands a municipality's authority to regulate moorings under Title 38 or as otherwise provided in law. [PL 2005, c. 492, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12201 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12201
12 §12201. Trapping license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not trap 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).]

1-A. Trapping by agents of commissioner. The commissioner may authorize a full-time department employee to trap wild animals without a license for purposes of animal damage control. A person serving as an agent of the commissioner for purposes of animal damage control, including animal control officers appointed pursuant to Title 7, section 3947 , must satisfy the licensing requirements of this section prior to trapping or attempting to trap a wild animal. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §209 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-B. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Junior trapper supervisor" means: (1) The parent or guardian of the junior trapper; or (2) A person 18 years of age or older who: (a) Is approved by the parent or guardian of the junior trapper; and (b) Holds or has held a valid Maine trapping license or meets the requirements of subsection 3 . [PL 2019, c. 639, §8 (AMD).] 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, §30 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §8 (AMD).]

2. Eligibility. The following persons are eligible to purchase a trapping license, subject to the provisions of subsection 3 . A. A resident 16 years of age or older is eligible to purchase a resident adult trapping license. [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (AMD).] B. A person 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age is eligible to purchase a junior trapping license. If the person is a nonresident and not a citizen of the United States, the license issued under this paragraph authorizes the person to trap only beaver pursuant to section 12259, subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (AMD).] C. A person under 10 years of age may trap all legal species, except bear, without a license, except that if the person is a nonresident and not a citizen of the United States, the person may trap only beaver pursuant to section 12259, subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (AMD).] D. A nonresident 16 years of age or older is eligible to purchase a nonresident adult trapping license, except that if the person is not a citizen of the United States, the license authorizes the person to trap only beaver pursuant to section 12259, subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (AMD).] E. [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 411, §4 (AMD).]

3. Successful completion of trapper education program required for license. Except as provided in paragraph A , a person who applies for a state license to trap, other than a junior trapping license pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph B or an apprentice trapper license issued under section 12204 , must submit proof of having successfully completed a trapper education course of the type described in section 10108, subsection 7 or satisfactory evidence of having previously held an adult license to trap in this State in any year beginning in or after 1978. If a person submits satisfactory evidence of having previously held an adult license to trap in any other state, province or country, the person must also submit proof of having successfully completed a trapper education course comparable to the type described in section 10108, subsection 7 . When proof or evidence cannot otherwise be provided, the person may substitute a signed affidavit that that person has previously held the required adult trapping license or that that person has successfully completed the required trapper education course. A. A person who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Mi'kmaq Nation who presents certification from the respective reservation chief or governor or the Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council stating that the person is an enrolled member of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this paragraph is exempt from the requirements of this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 646, Pt. A, §16 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §5 (AMD).]

4. Issuance. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, may issue a license to engage in trapping. [PL 2017, c. 164, §16 (AMD).]

5. Expiration. All licenses issued under this section are valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year. A junior trapping license issued to a person who has passed that person's 15th birthday is valid through the year for which the license was issued. [PL 2021, c. 411, §5 (AMD).]

5-A. Junior trapping license requirements. A trapper 16 years of age who obtained a junior trapping license before that person reached 16 years of age may not trap with that license unless the person is in the presence of and under the effective control of a junior trapper supervisor at all times while trapping or the person has successfully completed a trapper education course established under section 10108, subsection 7 . The following penalties apply to a violation of this subsection: 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; and [PL 2019, c. 639, §9 (NEW).] B. A person who violates paragraph A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2019, c. 639, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §9 (NEW).]

6. Trapping fees. The fees for trapping licenses are as follows: A. A junior trapping license, for a person 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age, is $10; [PL 2021, c. 411, §6 (AMD).] B. A resident adult trapping license, for a person 16 years of age or older, is $36; and [PL 2021, c. 411, §6 (AMD).] C. A nonresident adult trapping license is $318. [PL 2021, c. 411, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 411, §6 (AMD).]

7. Supervision of junior trappers. The following provisions must be observed. A. A person under 10 years of age may not trap unless that person is accompanied at all times while trapping by a junior trapper supervisor. A person under 10 years of age may not trap bear. [PL 2019, c. 639, §10 (AMD).] B. A person over 10 years of age and under 16 years of age may not trap unless that person: (1) Holds a junior trapping license; and (2) Is in the presence of and under the effective control of a junior trapper supervisor at all times while trapping, unless the holder of the junior trapping license submits proof of having successfully completed a trapper education course of the type described in section 10108, subsection 7 . [PL 2019, c. 639, §10 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §10 (AMD).]

8. License violations. The following penalties apply to violations of restrictions of licenses under this section. A. A person who violates a restriction of a license issued 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, §211 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates a restriction of a license issued 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, §211 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] Each day a person violates a restriction of a license issued under this section is a separate offense. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §211 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

9. Penalties for supervisors of junior trappers. A person who is the junior trapper supervisor of a holder of a valid junior trapping license when that junior trapper violates any provision of this Part pertaining to trapping: A. Commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; and [PL 2013, c. 538, §33 (RPR).] B. After having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period, commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 538, §33 (RPR).] [PL 2019, c. 639, §11 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6302 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6302
12 §6302. General exceptions
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any licensing provision, a license or certificate is not required for a person to: [PL 1997, c. 544, §1 (AMD).]

1. Personal use. Possess or transport any marine organism that has been lawfully acquired and is for personal use. A receipt or bill of sale is required for lawful acquisition; [PL 1997, c. 544, §1 (AMD).]

2. Common carrier. Carry any marine organism by a common carrier; or [PL 2009, c. 523, §4 (AMD).]

3. Hermetically sealed containers. Buy, sell, ship or transport within or beyond the state limits or possess any marine organism that is in a hermetically sealed container. [PL 2009, c. 523, §5 (AMD).]

4. Retail sale of certain seafood products. [PL 2009, c. 523, §6 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6446 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6446
12 §6446. Lobster management zones
Status: in_force

1. Establishment of zones. The commissioner may establish by rule zones to facilitate local or regional management of lobster fishery efforts. [PL 1995, c. 468, §8 (NEW).]

1-A. Declared lobster zone; authorized zones. On an application for a Class I, Class II, Class III, student or noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license or a nonresident lobster and crab landing permit, a person shall declare the lobster management zone in which that person proposes to fish a majority of that person's lobster traps and shall list all other zones in which that person proposes to fish any of that person's lobster traps. A Class I, Class II, Class III, student or noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license or a nonresident lobster and crab landing permit must identify the declared lobster zone in which the person is authorized to fish a majority of that person's lobster traps and must identify all other zones in which a person is authorized to fish that person's traps. A person may not place any lobster traps in a zone that is not identified on that person's license. For the purposes of this subsection, the majority of a person's lobster traps must be determined from the number of trap tags issued to that person. [PL 2015, c. 68, §5 (AMD).]

2. Rules for zones. The commissioner may adopt rules for a zone established under subsection 1 that are proposed pursuant to section 6447, subsection 5 , section 6447, subsection 5‑C or section 6447, subsection 5‑D only when the rules were proposed by the lobster management policy council established for that zone pursuant to section 6447, subsection 1 and the proposed rules were approved in a referendum pursuant to section 6447, subsection 6 . The commissioner may accept the rules proposed by a lobster management policy council as reasonable and adopt those rules or reject the council's proposed rules as unreasonable. The rules adopted under this subsection by the commissioner must accurately reflect the intent of the rules proposed by a lobster management policy council but are not required to be a verbatim rendition of the proposed rules. A. [PL 1995, c. 568, §4 (RP).] B. [PL 1995, c. 568, §4 (RP).] C. [PL 1995, c. 568, §4 (RP).] [PL 2007, c. 204, §2 (AMD).]

2-A. Rules pursuant to section 6447, subsection 5-A. [PL 2001, c. 282, §1 (NEW); MRSA T. 12 §6446, sub-§2-A (RP).]

2-B. Rules pursuant to section 6447, subsection 5-B. [PL 2005, c. 202, §2 (RP).]

3. Application of zone rules. The commissioner may adopt rules that define the application of zone rules to a person who holds a license under section 6421 and who fishes for lobsters in more than one zone. [PL 1995, c. 468, §8 (NEW).]

4. Public hearing not required. In adopting rules under subsection 2 , the commissioner is not required to hold a public hearing on the rules pursuant to Title 5, section 8052 . Except as provided in subsection 6 , the commissioner shall comply with all other provisions of Title 5, chapter 375 when adopting rules under subsection 2 . [PL 1995, c. 568, §5 (AMD).]

5. Role of advisory council. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt rules under this section without the advice and consent of the Marine Resources Advisory Council. [PL 1995, c. 468, §8 (NEW).]

6. Petition for rule prohibited. A person may not petition the commissioner pursuant to Title 5, section 8055 for the adoption or modification of a rule for a lobster management zone established under this section that regulates the number of lobster traps fished and the time periods allowed for complying with that number, the number of lobster traps allowed on a trawl and the time of day when lobster fishing may occur. [PL 1995, c. 568, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6466 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6466
12 §6466. Lobster Innovation Fund
Status: in_force

The Lobster Innovation Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established in the department. The fund consists of money received as appropriations and contributions from public and private sources. Balances in the fund may not lapse and must be carried forward. The fund must be used to provide stipends to holders of Class I, Class II or Class III lobster fishing licenses to participate in the testing of new lobster fishing technologies. [PL 2023, c. 466, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6751 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6751
12 §6751. Marine worm digger's license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current marine worm digger's license or other license issued under this Part authorizing the activities. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §49 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

2. Licensed activity. The holder of a marine worm digger's license may fish for or take marine worms or possess, ship, transport or sell within the State worms the licensee has taken. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §49 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

3. Eligibility. A marine worm digger's license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §49 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

4. License fee. The fee for a marine worm digger's license is $7. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §19 (AMD).]

5. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §49 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10954 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 10954
12 §10954.  Open season on upland game
Status: in_force

The open season on upland game must include the last Saturday in September. The commissioner, by rule, shall determine the length of the open season on upland game. [PL 2023, c. 530, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 530, §2 (AFF).]

As used in this section, "upland game" means snowshoe hare, gray squirrel, ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail. [PL 2019, c. 42, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6037 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6037
12 §6037. Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund within the department to improve the marine economy in this State. Unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year do not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year and used for the purposes of this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. VVVV, §1 (NEW).]

2. Uses of fund. Money in the fund must be administered by the department for commercial marine stock enhancement to improve the marine economy in this State through applied research, development, production of harvested marine species, infrastructure, monitoring and assessment. Money in the fund may be used as federal matching funds. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. VVVV, §1 (NEW).]

3. Department may accept contributions to fund. The department may accept money from any public or private source to augment state contributions to the fund. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. VVVV, §1 (NEW).]