12 M.R.S. § 13069-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13069-A
12 §13069-A. Watercraft accidents involving personal injury or death
Status: in_force

The following provisions govern accidents involving watercraft that result in personal injury or death of a person. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

1. Law enforcement officer notification. The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident that results in personal injury or death of a person or results in the disappearance of a person indicating death or injury shall immediately report the accident, by the quickest means of communication, to the available law enforcement officer nearest to the place where the accident occurred. A. The owner of a watercraft who knows that that watercraft was involved in an accident as described in this subsection shall report the accident as provided in this subsection if the operator of the watercraft is unknown. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

2. Provide information to injured party. The operator or a person acting on behalf of the operator of a watercraft involved in an accident shall provide to an injured person or the operator or an occupant of any other watercraft involved in the accident: A. The operator's name and address; and [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).] B. The registration number of the operator's watercraft. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

3. Render assistance. The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident shall render reasonable assistance to an injured person. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

4. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]

5. Aggravated punishment category. Notwithstanding subsection 4 , a person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to comply with this section when the accident resulted in serious bodily injury, as defined in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 23 , or death, commits a Class C crime. [PL 2005, c. 436, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13157-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 939 / Section 13157-A
12 §13157-A. Operation of ATVs
Status: in_force

1. No permission given. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §20 (RP).]

1-A. Permission required. A person may not operate an ATV on the land of another without the permission of the landowner, lessee or landowner's representative. Permission is presumed on designated state-approved ATV trails or in areas open to ATVs by landowner policy. A landowner, lessee or landowner's representative may limit the use of a designated state-approved ATV trail on that landowner's or lessee's property through agreements with the State or an ATV club to address environmental, public safety or management concerns, including by limiting the type, size and weight of ATVs permitted on the landowner's or lessee's property. A person operating an ATV, including an oversized ATV, on designated state-approved ATV trails shall adhere to limitations imposed by a landowner, lessee or landowner's representative and the State on that part of the designated state-approved ATV trail on the landowner's or lessee's property in accordance with this subsection. Written permission of the landowner, lessee or landowner's representative is required for use of an ATV on cropland or pastureland or in an orchard. A landowner, lessee or landowner's representative may limit in writing the use of a designated state-approved ATV trail on that landowner's or lessee's property. As used in this subsection, "cropland" means acreage in tillage rotation, land being cropped and land in bush fruits and "pastureland" means acreage devoted to the production of forage plants used for animal production. For purposes of this subsection, "oversized ATV" has the same meaning as defined in section 13155, subsection 5‑B . This subsection may not be construed to limit or expand a landowner's or lessee's property rights. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §21 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated of having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §21 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 267, §5 (AMD).]

2. Stop and identify requirement. Persons operating ATVs upon the land of another shall stop and identify themselves upon the request of the landowner, lessee or the landowner's representative. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2025, c. 267, §6 (AMD).]

3. Operating ATV upon controlled access highway. The following provisions govern the operation of ATVs on controlled access highways. A. A person may not operate an ATV upon a controlled access highway or within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway, except that: (1) A person on a properly registered ATV may cross controlled access highways by use of bridges over or roads under those highways or by use of roads crossing controlled access highways at grade; (2) The Commissioner of Transportation may issue special permits for designated crossings of controlled access highways; and (3) A person on a properly registered ATV may operate the ATV within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway on a trail segment approved by the Commissioner of Transportation or the board of directors of the Maine Turnpike Authority, as applicable. At the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Commissioner of Transportation or the board of directors of the Maine Turnpike Authority, as applicable, may permit construction of an ATV trail within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation or the Maine Turnpike Authority being constructed on or after January 1, 2016 when there is an ability to provide for the continuity of a state-owned or state-controlled network of ATV trails. Funds for the construction of an ATV trail under this paragraph may not be provided from the Highway Fund. [PL 2015, c. 413, §2 (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, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 413, §2 (AMD).]

4. Unlawfully operating ATV on snowmobile trail. Operating an ATV on a snowmobile trail financed in whole or in part with funds from the Snowmobile Trail Fund is governed by section 13107 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Unlawfully operating ATV on private road. [PL 2015, c. 301, §48 (RP).]

5-A. Operating a motor vehicle on an ATV trail. A person may not operate a motor vehicle as defined in Title 29‑A, section 101, subsection 42 on a designated ATV trail that is not on a gravel road system unless that use has been authorized by the landowner or the landowner's agent or it is necessitated by an emergency involving the safety of a person or property. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 202, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 202, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 204, §2 (AMD).]

6. Operating ATV on public way. Except as provided in this subsection, a person may not operate an ATV, other than an ATV registered with the Secretary of State under Title 29‑A , on any portion of a public way maintained or used for the operation of conventional motor vehicles or on the sidewalks of any public way. A. A properly registered ATV may be operated on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 500 yards, on the extreme right of the traveled way for the purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a public way, bridge, overpass, underpass, sidewalk or culvert as long as that operation can be made safely and does not interfere with traffic approaching from either direction on the public way. [PL 2005, c. 626, §3 (AMD).] B. [PL 2005, c. 626, §4 (RP).] C. An ATV may be operated on any portion of a public way when the public way has been closed in accordance with Title 23, section 2953 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. An ATV may be operated on a public way that is not maintained or used for the operation of conventional motor vehicles, except that operation on the left side of the way is prohibited during the hours from sunset to sunrise. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] E. An ATV may be operated on streets and public ways during a period of emergency when the emergency has been so declared by a police agency having jurisdiction and when travel by conventional motor vehicles is not practicable. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] F. An ATV may be operated on streets and public ways in special events of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule under a permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] G. An ATV may be operated on a public way on the extreme right of the traveled way by a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of traveling between the place where the ATV is usually stored and an area to be patrolled by the law enforcement officer. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] H. Notwithstanding paragraphs A to G , an ATV may be operated on the extreme right of a public way or as directed by the appropriate governmental unit within the public way of a municipality or an unorganized or unincorporated township if the appropriate governmental unit has designated the public way as an ATV-access route. An ATV must travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic on a public way designated as an ATV-access route. A public way designated by an appropriate governmental unit as an ATV-access route must be posted conspicuously at regular intervals by that governmental unit with highly visible signs designating the ATV-access route. Before designating a public way as an ATV-access route, the appropriate governmental unit shall make appropriate determinations that ATV travel on the extreme right of the public way or as directed by the appropriate governmental unit within the public way may be conducted safely and will not interfere with vehicular traffic on the public way. For purposes of this paragraph, "appropriate governmental unit" means the Department of Transportation, county commissioners or municipal officers within their respective jurisdictions. The jurisdiction of each appropriate governmental unit over public ways pursuant to this paragraph is the same as its jurisdiction over the passage of vehicles on public ways pursuant to Title 29‑A, section 2395 . Municipal or county law enforcement officials having jurisdiction have primary enforcement authority over any route established under this paragraph. [PL 2007, c. 33, §1 (AMD).] I. 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, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2007, c. 33, §1 (AMD).]

7. Failing to stop ATV before entering public way. A person shall bring an ATV to a complete stop before entering a public way. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

8. Failing to yield right-of-way while operating ATV. A person shall yield the right-of-way to all other types of vehicular traffic while operating an ATV on a public way. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

9. Crossing closed bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass with ATV. A person may not cross with an ATV a bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed to ATVs by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to this subsection. The Commissioner of Transportation may, following a public hearing, prohibit the crossing by an ATV of an individual bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass if the commissioner determines that that crossing or use of a public way is hazardous. Any bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed by the commissioner must be posted by appropriate notices. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

10. Reckless operating on ATV. A person may not operate an ATV in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class D crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

11. Operating ATV to endanger. A person may not operate an ATV so as to endanger any person or property. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

12. Operating ATV at greater than reasonable and prudent speed. A person may not operate an ATV except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

13. Operating ATV without protective headgear. A person under 18 years of age may not operate an ATV without protective headgear. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 184, §17 (AMD).]

14. Carrying passenger on ATV without headgear. A person may not carry a passenger under 18 years of age on an ATV unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 184, §18 (AMD).]

15. ATV noise and fire control devices. [PL 2015, c. 301, §49 (RP).]

16. ATV headlight and taillight requirements. This subsection establishes light equipment requirements for the operation of an ATV. A. Except as provided in this subsection and section 13159 , a person may not operate an ATV in the State, regardless of where purchased, unless equipped with front and rear lights as follows. (1) The ATV must have mounted on the front at least one headlight capable of casting a white beam for a distance of at least 100 feet directly ahead of the ATV. (2) The ATV must have mounted on the rear at least one taillight capable of displaying a red light that must be visible at a distance of at least 100 feet behind the ATV. [PL 2021, c. 184, §19 (AMD).] B. The following are exceptions to the requirements of paragraph A . (2) A person may operate an ATV including a 2-wheel off-road motorcycle without a headlight and taillight between sunrise and sunset. [PL 2017, c. 164, §27 (AMD).] C. 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, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 184, §19 (AMD).]

17. Required use of ATV lights. Except as provided in section 13159 , the following provisions govern the use of ATV lights. A. A person shall use the lights required under subsection 16 as follows: (1) During the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; and (2) At any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions caused by fog or otherwise, other persons, vehicles and other objects are not clearly discernible for a distance of 500 feet ahead. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

18. Unlawfully operating ATV on railroad tracks. This subsection governs operation of an ATV on railroad tracks. A. A person may not: (1) Operate an ATV along or adjacent and parallel to the tracks of a railroad within the limits of the railroad right-of-way without written permission from the railroad owning the right-of-way; or (2) Operate an ATV across the tracks of a railroad after having been forbidden to do so by the railroad owning the railroad right-of-way or by an agent of that railroad, either personally or by appropriate notices posted conspicuously along the railroad right-of-way. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Notwithstanding paragraph A , a person may operate within the right-of-way of a portion of railroad line that has been officially abandoned under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. 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, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

19. Operating too close to certain buildings. A person may not operate an ATV within 200 feet of a dwelling, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home or church. A. This subsection does not apply when a person is operating an ATV on: (1) Public ways in accordance with subsections 6 and 9 or on controlled access highways in accordance with subsection 3, paragraph A ; (2) The frozen surface of any body of water; or (3) Land that the operator owns or is permitted to use. [PL 2021, c. 184, §20 (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, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 184, §20 (AMD).]

20. Failure to report accident. [PL 2005, c. 436, §7 (RP).]

21. Operating ATV in prohibited area. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §22 (RP).]

22. Abuse of another person's property. A person may not while operating an ATV: A. Tear down or destroy a fence or wall on another person's land; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §414 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Leave open a gate or bars on another person's land; [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §23 (AMD).] C. Trample or destroy crops on another person's land; or [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §23 (AMD).] D. Remove or destroy signs or posted notices. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §24 (NEW).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §§23, 24 (AMD).]

23. Operating ATV on cropland or pastureland. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §25 (RP).]

24. Operation of ATV on temporarily closed trail. A person may not operate an ATV on any section of a trail posted with a notice of temporary closure in accordance with this subsection. The notice must specify the section of trail that is closed and the period of the closure and must be conspicuously posted at each end of the closed section of the trail. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated of having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).]

25. ATV noise and fire control devices. The following provisions pertain to ATV muffling and fire control devices and noise level limits. A. Except as provided in section 13159 , a person may not: (1) Operate an ATV that is not equipped at all times with an effective and suitable muffling device on its engine to effectively deaden or muffle the noise of the exhaust; (2) Operate or modify an ATV with an exhaust system that has been modified in any manner that will increase the noise emitted above the following emission standard: (a) Each ATV must meet noise emission standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and in no case exceed 96 decibels of sound pressure when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the commissioner; or (3) Operate an ATV without a working spark arrester. [PL 2015, c. 301, §50 (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 or 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. (3) In addition to any penalties imposed under this subsection, the court may, subject to section 9321 and Title 17‑A, chapter 69 , order restitution for fire suppression costs incurred by state or municipal government entities in suppressing a fire caused by an ATV operating without a working spark arrester. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §24 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §24 (AMD).]

26. Prohibited equipment. A person may not operate an ATV that is equipped with a snorkel kit or other equipment designed to allow the ATV to be used in deep water except with the permission of the owner of the land on which the ATV is operated or as provided in section 13159 . A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated of having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).]

27. Operation of ATV in prohibited area. The following provisions establish areas where the operation of an ATV is prohibited. A. A person may not operate an ATV: (1) On a salt marsh, intertidal zone, marine sand beach or sand dune or any cemetery, burial place or burying ground; or (2) When the ground is not frozen and sufficiently covered with snow to prevent direct damage to the vegetation: (a) On alpine tundra; (b) On a freshwater marsh or bog, river, brook, stream, great pond, nonforested wetland or vernal pool; or (c) In a source water protection area as defined in Title 30‑A, section 2001, subsection 20‑A . The provisions of this subparagraph do not apply to a trail designated for ATV use by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The provisions of this subparagraph also do not apply to a person accessing land for maintenance or inspection purposes with the landowner's permission or the landowner's representative's permission or to local, state or federal government personnel in the performance of official duties, as long as there is no significant ground disturbance or sedimentation of water bodies. [PL 2025, c. 267, §7 (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 or 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 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §26 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 267, §7 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 9334 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9334
12 §9334. Removal of slash along land bordering on another
Status: in_force

A person who, as stumpage owner, operator, landowner or agent, cuts, causes or permits to be cut any forest growth on land that borders land of another outside the limits of the unorganized territory or within the unorganized territory that borders property outside shall dispose of the slash in the manner described: the slash resulting from the cutting of forest growth may not remain on the ground within 25 feet of the property line, as long as the director on the director's own initiative or upon written complaint of another declares that the situation constitutes a fire hazard. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §69 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 9321 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9321
12 §9321. Criteria for allowable burning
Status: in_force

1. Criteria. In issuing any permit or permission for allowable burning, the director shall consider the following criteria: A. Forest fire danger indices and location of proposed burning; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] B. The time of day and season of the year; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] C. The temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] D. The matter and type of burning proposed, giving due consideration to prohibitions and permissible open-burning rules of the Department of Environmental Protection; [PL 1991, c. 36, §1 (AMD).] E. With regard to recreational fires, the feasibility of use of public campsites; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] F. The length of the burning period; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] G. The presence or availability of sufficient force and equipment to control the burning; [PL 1997, c. 512, §1 (AMD).] H. Experience and capability of the permittee in the safe use and control of the proposed burning; [PL 1997, c. 672, §1 (AMD).] I. In issuing a permit under section 9325, subsection 1, paragraph E , any prior convictions for violating that paragraph or section 9324, subsection 7‑A ; and [PL 2001, c. 626, §2 (AMD).] J. In issuing a permit under section 9325, subsection 1, paragraph E , the public health risk from toxic chemicals in the smoke plume in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Environmental Protection and the practicality of locating the incinerator at least 300 feet from any abutting property boundary and at least 150 feet from any residential dwelling. These setback criteria may not be used to deny a permit. [PL 1997, c. 672, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 626, §2 (AMD).]

1-A. Red flag warning areas. The following provisions govern permits for open burning in geographic areas subject to a red flag warning. A. Except as provided in paragraph B , the director or the director's delegate may not issue a permit or other permission for open burning to take place in a geographic area subject to a red flag warning. [PL 2023, c. 56, §1 (NEW).] B. The director or the director's delegate may issue a permit for a controlled burn on a commercially managed wild blueberry field in a geographic area subject to a red flag warning as long as the application for the permit includes a prescribed burn plan approved by the issuing authority. The permit must incorporate by reference the approved burn plan. [PL 2023, c. 56, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 56, §1 (NEW).]

2. Revocation. The director or the director's delegate may revoke any permit during a period of high forest fire danger or any permit that results in creation of a nuisance condition without compliance with the provisions of Title 4, chapter 5 or Title 5, chapter 375 . If a geographic area is subject to a red flag warning, the following provisions apply. A. Except as provided in paragraph B , the director or the director's delegate shall revoke any permit for open burning in the geographic area during the period in which a red flag warning is in effect. [PL 2023, c. 56, §2 (NEW).] B. The director or the director's delegate is not required to revoke a permit for a controlled burn on a commercially managed wild blueberry field during the period in which a red flag warning is in effect if the permit includes an approved prescribed burn plan. [PL 2023, c. 56, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 56, §2 (AMD).]

3. Delegation. The director may delegate the issuance of permits to forest rangers or town forest fire wardens and their deputies. A town forest fire warden or deputy authorized to issue permits pursuant to this subsection may issue permits using burn permit software acquired from a private party to establish a publicly accessible online system in accordance with section 9327 . [PL 2017, c. 449, §1 (AMD).]

4. Conditions. The director may issue a permit with stated conditions or restrictions to insure adequate control of permitted fires in accordance with criteria of subsection 1 and conformity to rules of the Department of Environmental Protection. [PL 1991, c. 36, §2 (AMD).]

5. Stricter requirements. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a municipality from adopting ordinances specifying stricter criteria for out-of-door fires. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

5-A. Notification. Any person authorized by this subchapter to issue permits for open burning who issues a permit for out-of-door burning within a municipality shall notify the municipal officers or fire chief of that municipality that the permit has been issued. [PL 1987, c. 618, §1 (NEW).]

6. Penalty. Notwithstanding section 9701 , any person who engages in out-of-door burning in violation of this article, or who fails to comply with any stated permit condition or restriction, commits a Class E crime. In addition, if the State proves that while in violation that person's out-of-door fire resulted in fire suppression costs to municipal or State Government, the court, as part of any sentence imposed, may order restitution, pursuant to Title 17‑A, chapter 69 , to be paid to the government entities incurring the suppression costs. For each violation of this article: A. The monetary award for restitution to a municipality may not exceed $25,000; and [PL 2003, c. 556, §1 (AMD).] B. The total combined monetary award for restitution to municipalities and State Government may not exceed $125,000. [PL 2003, c. 556, §1 (AMD).] When bringing an action under this article, the State shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, seek restitution of fire suppression costs incurred by state governmental entities relating to the violation. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §17 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6810-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6810-A
12 §6810-A. Marine harvesting demonstration license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Notwithstanding section 6074 , an individual may not engage in an activity authorized under this section without a valid marine harvesting demonstration license. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

1-A. Eligibility. A marine harvesting demonstration license may be issued only to an individual, except that a person who holds a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license may not be issued a marine harvesting demonstration license. [PL 2021, c. 129, §1 (AMD).]

2. Licensed activities. An individual who holds a marine harvesting demonstration license may engage in limited fishing activities for the purpose of providing an educational demonstration of marine harvesting techniques or of the marine ecology of the Gulf of Maine as part of a commercial operation. An individual may not handle a lobster trap, warp or buoy used for the purposes of this section unless that individual meets the requirements of subsection 7 . Subject to the requirements of subsection 3 , an individual who holds a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license may assist a person who holds a marine harvesting demonstration license on that person's boat in the demonstration of lobster and crab fishing without obtaining a marine harvesting demonstration license. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

3. License limitations. An individual who holds a marine harvesting demonstration license may not sell, retain, ship or transport any portion of the catch and shall release all organisms alive into the area from which the organisms were harvested. A vessel identified under subsection 6 may not be used for the commercial harvest of marine organisms unless the operator of the vessel holds a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license or as otherwise provided by the department. The trap limits of the vessel operated for the harvest of marine organisms under a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license may not be exceeded under the marine harvesting demonstration license. [PL 2021, c. 129, §2 (AMD).]

4. Gear limitations and requirements. The commissioner shall specify the type and amount of gear that may be used under a marine harvesting demonstration license. A. The number of lobster traps fished from a vessel may not exceed 20 traps, regardless of the number of marine harvesting demonstration license holders fishing from that vessel. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).] B. The commissioner shall establish a lobster trap tag system under which a marine harvesting demonstration license holder must purchase a tag for the purpose of identifying and tracking traps. The commissioner may impose a per-tag fee to cover the cost of the trap tags and the costs of administering and enforcing the lobster trap tag system. Trap tag fees must be deposited in the Lobster Management Fund established under section 6431‑C . [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).] C. A marine harvesting demonstration license holder who also holds a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license shall use a buoy different in color and pattern and a different tag for fishing activities under subsection 2 than the buoy the individual uses for commercial harvesting. [PL 2021, c. 129, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 129, §3 (AMD).]

5. Boat declaration. The marine harvesting demonstration license holder shall declare the name of the vessel to be used for fishing under the license at the time of application for the license and may not change that vessel during the license year unless otherwise authorized by the department. An individual who holds a marine harvesting demonstration license may assist another person who holds a marine harvesting demonstration license on that person's vessel without declaring the name of that vessel. The individual who assists another license holder must have written permission from that license holder before handling that person's demonstration lobster traps, warps or buoys. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

6. Demonstration vessel identification. A vessel may not be used for the purposes of this section unless that vessel is clearly identified as provided by the commissioner under this subsection. The commissioner shall establish the type and specifications of vessel identification to be used for purposes of this section. The commissioner may impose an administrative fee to cover costs associated with implementing this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

7. Additional requirements for lobster and crab harvesting demonstrations. A person may not demonstrate lobster or crab harvesting methods under this section unless that person holds a marine harvesting demonstration license and: A. Has successfully completed a lobster and crab fishing written examination as provided in section 6423 ; or [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).] B. Held a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license and has landed lobster under that license. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).] An individual who successfully completes the examination under paragraph A is not required to repeat that examination to renew a marine harvesting demonstration license. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

7-A. Closed period exemption. The holder of a marine harvesting demonstration license is exempt from the prohibition on raising or hauling any lobster trap pursuant to section 6440, subsection 2 when raising or hauling lobster traps from the vessel identified on the marine harvesting demonstration license while engaging in fishing activities under subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 129, §4 (AMD).]

8. Fee. The fee for a marine harvesting demonstration license is $26. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §35 (AMD).]

9. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

10. Application of laws. Except as provided in this section, licenses issued under this section are subject to applicable laws under this Part. [PL 2003, c. 169, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 169, §3 (AFF).]

11. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged. The commissioner may suspend the Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license of a person who violates this section. Notwithstanding section 6401, subsection 2 , the commissioner may permanently revoke the marine harvesting demonstration license of a person who sells, retains, ships or transports any portion of the catch or does not release all organisms alive into the area from which the organisms were harvested pursuant to subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 129, §5 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6749-N — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6749-N
12 §6749-N. Closed areas; zone identification
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 6749 , it is unlawful for a person to fish for or take sea urchins from: [PL 1997, c. 685, §1 (AMD).]

1. Zone 1. Zone 1, from May 1st to July 31st. For the purposes of this article, "Zone 1" means all coastal waters west of a line beginning at the easternmost point of Fort Point State Park on Cape Jellison then running southwesterly to channel marker #1 south of Sears Island, then running southwesterly to channel marker RW "11" located between Marshall's Point and Bayside in the Town of Northport, then running southwesterly to Graves channel marker southeast of the Town of Camden, then running southeasterly to the Penobscot Bay Buoy "PB" east of Rockland harbor, then running southerly to the TBI whistle southwest of Junken Ledge, then running southeasterly to Red Nun #10 buoy at Foster Ledges, then running due south magnetic to the boundary of the State's coastal waters; and [PL 2013, c. 301, §17 (AMD).]

2. Zone 2. Zone 2, from May 1st to July 31st. For the purpose of this article, "Zone 2" means all coastal waters east of that line established in subsection 1 , including all coastal waters of the Penobscot River north of Fort Point State Park. [PL 1995, c. 595, §2 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 595, §6 (AFF).]

3. Conservation areas. The commissioner may adopt rules to establish conservation areas pursuant to section 6171 for the purposes of sea urchin research that are considered closed areas for the purpose of this section. Fishing for sea urchins in a conservation area adopted through the department for sea urchin research is considered a violation of this subchapter and subject to the penalties under section 6749‑Y . Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 2001, c. 327, §10 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12954 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 931 / Section 12954
12 §12954. Hide dealer's license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as provided in subsection 6‑A and section 12955 , a person may not engage in any activity for which a hide dealer's license may be issued under subsection 2 without a valid hide dealer's license. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class D crime for which a minimum fine of $1,000 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2013, c. 333, §5 (AMD).]

2. Issuance. The commissioner may issue a hide dealer's license permitting a person to: A. Buy, sell, barter or trade any lawfully obtained bear gallbladders, raw unfinished moose antlers or raw unfinished deer antlers; [PL 2021, c. 54, §14 (AMD).] B. Commercially buy, sell, barter or trade any lawfully obtained raw, untanned animal hides or parts of wild animals and wild birds not prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under section 11217, subsections 1 and 3 ; and [PL 2013, c. 333, §6 (RPR).] C. Aid or assist another in the activities described in paragraphs A and B . [PL 2013, c. 333, §6 (NEW).] Parts of wild animals and wild birds bought, sold, bartered or traded under this section may not be attached to any other parts of the wild animals or wild birds that are prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under section 11217, subsections 1 and 3 . [PL 2021, c. 54, §14 (AMD).]

3. Expiration. All licenses issued under this section are valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fee. The annual fees for hide dealer licenses are: A. For a resident hide dealer, $60; and [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §36 (AMD).] B. For a nonresident hide dealer, $110. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §36 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §36 (AMD).]

4-A. Record-keeping requirements. The following provisions apply to the keeping and filing of records. A. A licensee shall: (1) Keep a true and complete record, in such form as is required by the commissioner, to include the names and addresses of persons buying or selling heads, hides, bear fat and bear gallbladders; and (2) File that record with the commissioner on or before June 30th of each year. All data submitted to the commissioner as part of the record are for scientific purposes only and are confidential and not a public record within the meaning of Title 1, chapter 13, subchapter 1 , except that the commissioner may disclose data collected under this paragraph for law enforcement purposes or if the data are released in a form that is statistical or general in nature. [PL 2021, c. 54, §15 (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. Each day a person violates this subsection is a separate offense. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §348 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 54, §15 (AMD).]

5. Record inspection. Records retained under subsection 4‑A must be open for inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner's agent. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §349 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Exception. [PL 2013, c. 333, §8 (RP).]

6-A. Exceptions. The following are exceptions to the license requirements in this section. A. A person who has lawfully killed and registered a deer may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, antlers and feet of that animal. [PL 2013, c. 333, §9 (NEW).] B. A person who has lawfully killed and registered a moose may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, bones, antlers and feet of that animal. [PL 2013, c. 333, §9 (NEW).] C. A person who has lawfully killed or trapped and registered a bear may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, teeth, claws not attached to the paws, fat not attached to the meat and gallbladder of that animal. [PL 2021, c. 54, §16 (AMD).] D. A person who has lawfully killed or trapped a fur-bearing animal may sell, without a hide dealer's license, any part of that animal. [PL 2013, c. 333, §9 (NEW).] E. A person may buy or sell, without a taxidermy license or a hide dealer's license, legally obtained finished wildlife products, including tanned animal hides and finished taxidermy mounts. [PL 2013, c. 333, §9 (NEW).] F. A person may buy or sell, without a hide dealer's license, naturally shed antlers from deer and moose. [PL 2013, c. 333, §9 (NEW).] G. A person may buy, without a hide dealer's license, for that person's own personal use and not for resale, only the teeth, claws not attached to paws, fat not attached to the meat, skull or head and hide of a bear; only the bones, feet and hide of a moose; the skull or head of a deer or moose, excluding antlers; and all other parts of wild animals and wild birds not prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under section 11217, subsections 1 and 3 . [PL 2021, c. 54, §17 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 54, §§16, 17 (AMD).]

7. Licensing violation. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §350 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13068-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13068-A
12 §13068-A. Operating watercraft; prohibitions
Status: repealed

(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)

1. Launching contaminated watercraft. A person may not place a watercraft that is contaminated with an invasive aquatic plant upon the inland waters of the State. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000 per violation may be adjudged. A fine imposed under this subsection may not be suspended by the court. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Unlawfully permitting operation by another. A person may not permit operation of a watercraft in violation of this subsection. A. A person violates this subsection if that person owns a watercraft and negligently permits another person to operate that watercraft in violation of this chapter. (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this paragraph 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person violates this subsection if that person is the parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 18 years of age and the minor operates a personal watercraft in violation of this chapter. (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this paragraph 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Operating motorboat other than personal watercraft while underage. A person under 12 years of age may not operate a motorboat propelled by machinery of more than 10 horsepower unless under the immediate supervision of a person located in the motorboat who is at least 16 years of age. This subsection does not apply to operating a personal watercraft. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3-A. Supervising young person. Beginning January 1, 2024, a person born on or after January 1, 1999 may not supervise a person in accordance with subsection 3 unless that supervisor is 16 years of age or older and has completed a boater safety and education course. This subsection does not apply to the operation of personal watercraft or motorboats other than for recreational boating purposes. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 656, §4 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2021, c. 656, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 206, §4 (AMD).]

4. Operating watercraft without proper safety equipment. Except as provided in paragraph B , a person may not operate a watercraft without proper safety equipment as described in paragraph A . A. A person operates a watercraft without proper safety equipment if the person operates a watercraft and: (1) Fails to comply with the same requirements pertaining to lights, life-saving devices, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment as required by federal laws and regulations on federal navigable waters, as promulgated under the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, Public Law 92-75, as amended; (2) Fails to comply with requirements pertaining to additional equipment not in conflict with federal navigation laws, which the commissioner may prescribe if there is a demonstrated need; (2-A) (TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/01/26) Fails to ensure that a child who has not attained 13 years of age, including the operator, is wearing an appropriate United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while the watercraft is underway and used for recreational purposes unless the child who has not attained 13 years of age is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. This subparagraph does not apply to a watercraft with a United States Coast Guard certificate of inspection; (3) Fails to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while canoeing or kayaking on the Saco River between Hiram Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1st and June 1st; or (4) Fails to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while operating a watercraft on: (a) The Penobscot River, between the gorge and the head of Big Eddy; or (b) The Kennebec River, between Harris Station and Turtle Island, at the foot of Black Brook Rapids. [PL 2023, c. 228, §§13, 14 (AMD); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §25 (COR); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §26 (AFF).] B. Notwithstanding paragraph A : (1) Canoes, owned by a youth camp located upon internal waters in the State and duly licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services and utilized by campers under the direction and supervision of a youth camp counselor at least 18 years of age or older during training and instruction periods on waters adjacent to the main location of the youth camp within a distance of 500 feet from the shoreline of that camp, are exempt from this subsection; and (2) Log rafts, carrying not more than 2 persons and used on ponds or lakes or internal waters of less than 50 acres in area, are exempt from carrying personal flotation devices. [PL 2009, c. 211, Pt. B, §14 (AMD).] C. 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2023, c. 228, §§13, 14 (AMD); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §25 (COR); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §26 (AFF).]

5. Operating watercraft to endanger. A person may not operate any of the following so as to endanger any person or property: A. Watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Water ski; or [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Surfboard or similar device. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Reckless operation of watercraft. A person may not operate any of the following in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person: A. Watercraft; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Water ski; or [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Surfboard or similar device. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class D crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

7. Operating watercraft at greater than reasonable and prudent speed. A person: A. May not operate a watercraft except at a reasonable and prudent speed for existing conditions; and [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Shall regulate the speed of a watercraft so as to avoid danger, injury or unnecessary inconvenience in any manner to other watercraft and their occupants, whether anchored or under way; waterfront piers; floats or other property or shorelines, either directly or by the effect of the wash or wave created by the watercraft through its speed, or otherwise. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

8. Imprudent operation of watercraft. A person may not, while operating a watercraft on the inland or coastal waters of the State, engage in prolonged circling, informal racing, wake jumping or other types of continued and repeated activities that harass another person. A. This subsection may be enforced by any law enforcement officer or a person may bring a private nuisance action for a violation of this subsection pursuant to Title 17, section 2802 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

9. Operating watercraft to molest wild animals or wild birds. A person may not operate a watercraft so as to pursue, molest, harass, drive or herd any wild animal or wild bird, except as may be permitted during the open season on that animal. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

10. Operating motorboat that exceeds noise limits. The following provisions govern noise limits. A. A person may not operate a motorboat in such a manner as to exceed: (1) A noise level of 90 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner; or (2) A noise level of 75 decibels when subjected to an operational test measured with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner. As used in this paragraph, "motorboat" does not include an airboat as defined in subsection 10‑A . [PL 2025, c. 390, Pt. A, §29 (AMD).] A-1. [PL 2021, c. 166, §1 (RP).] A-2. [PL 2021, c. 585, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 209, §1 (AMD); MRSA T. 12 §13068-A, sub-§10, ¶A-2 (RP).] Revisor's Note: Paragraph A-2 was repealed 9/30/23. PL 2023, c. 209, §1 attempted to amend the language that repealed the paragraph, but did not take effect in time. 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 $300 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. This subsection does not apply to motorboats that are operating in a regatta or race approved by the commissioner under section 13061 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2025, c. 390, Pt. A, §29 (AMD).]

10-A. Operating airboat that exceeds noise limits. The following provisions govern airboat noise limits. A. A person may not operate an airboat: (1) If the noise level of the airboat exceeds 90 decibels as measured in a stationary sound level test as prescribed by SAE standards J-2005; (2) Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in such a manner as to exceed a noise level of 75 decibels on the "A" scale as measured by the SAE standards J-1970, referred to in this paragraph as "the shoreline test," except to the extent necessary to achieve headway speed when leaving a boat launch or to move the airboat from a stationary position on a tidal flat; or (3) After 7 a.m. and before 7 p.m. in such a manner as to exceed a noise level of 90 decibels as measured by the shoreline test, except to the extent necessary to achieve headway speed when leaving a boat launch or to move the airboat from a stationary position on a tidal flat. [PL 2023, c. 583, §2 (NEW).] B. This subsection does not apply to the operation of an airboat by a marine patrol officer appointed under section 6025, subsection 1 , a game warden or a municipal law enforcement officer. [PL 2023, c. 583, §2 (NEW).] C. 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 $300 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 2023, c. 583, §2 (NEW).] For purposes of this subsection, "airboat" means a flat-bottomed watercraft propelled by an aircraft-type propeller and powered by either an aircraft engine or an automotive engine and "SAE standards" means technical standards adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers. [PL 2023, c. 583, §2 (NEW).]

11. Operating motorboat without muffler. A person may not operate a motorboat that is not equipped at all times with an effective and suitable muffling device on its engine or engines to effectively deaden or muffle the noise of the exhaust, except that motorboats that are operating in a regatta or race approved by the commissioner under section 13061 may use cutouts for these motorboats while on trial runs or competing in speed events, for a period not to exceed 48 hours immediately preceding or following such an authorized event. A. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection. (1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

12. Tampering with motorboat muffler system. A person may not modify a motorboat muffler system in any way that results in an increase in the decibels of sound emitted by that motorboat. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $100 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

13. Headway speed only. The following provisions govern speeds in certain zones. A. A person may not operate a watercraft at a speed greater than headway speed while within the water safety zone or within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters except: (1) While actively fishing; or (2) While picking up or dropping off one or more persons on water skis in the water safety zone if a reasonably direct course is taken through the water safety zone between the point that the skiers are picked up or dropped off and the outer boundary of the water safety zone. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. For the purposes of this subsection, "headway speed" means the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage and control of the watercraft while the watercraft is moving. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

14. Operating watercraft in swim areas. The following provisions apply to operating a watercraft in a swim area. A. A person may not: (1) Operate a watercraft within a swim area marked or buoyed for swimming; or (2) Operate an airmobile on a beach adjacent to a swim area marked or buoyed for swimming. [PL 2025, c. 132, §14 (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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2025, c. 132, §14 (AMD).]

15. Violation of surface use restriction order. A person may not operate, launch or remove a watercraft at a restricted-access site or refuse inspection of a watercraft in violation of an order issued under Title 38, section 1864 . A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000 per violation may be adjudged. A fine imposed under this subsection may not be suspended by the court. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §16 (AMD).]

16. Operating motorboat in prohibited or restricted area. The following provisions apply to operating a motorboat in prohibited or restricted areas. A. A person may not: (1) Operate a motorboat on that portion of Portage Lake in Township T. 13, R. 6, W.E.L.S., County of Aroostook, known as the Floating Island Area, north and westerly of a line beginning at the eastern edge of the marshy peninsula running out from Hutchinson Ridge, running 50 yards outside of the floating islands in a northerly direction to the mouth of Mosquito Brook; (2) Operate a motorboat on Quimby Pond in the Town of Rangeley, Franklin County; (3) Operate a motorboat upon the waters of Jerry Pond, so called, situated within the boundaries, or having a shore line abutting, the incorporated municipality of Millinocket and the unincorporated Townships being T.1, R. 7 and T.A., R. 7, all in Penobscot County; (4) Operate a motorboat on Upper and Lower Ox Brook Lakes in the Towns of T. 6 ND, T. 6 RI and Talmadge in Washington County; (5) Operate a motorboat on Little Nesowadnehunk (Sournahunk) Lake, in T. 5, R. 11, Piscataquis County; (6) Operate a motorboat having more than 10 horsepower on Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond, Mt. Desert Island, Hancock County and Long Pond, T.E. and T. D., Franklin County; (7) Operate a motorboat on a body of water commonly known as and referred to in the Dunham-Davee Work Plan as Snow's Pond, situated west of Route 7 in the Town of Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis County; (8) Operate a motorboat having more than 6 horsepower on Long Pond, Town of Denmark, Oxford County; (9) Operate a motorboat on Lily Pond, Edgecomb, Lincoln County; (10) Operate a motorboat powered by an internal combustion engine on Nokomis Pond, situated in the Towns of Newport and Palmyra, Penobscot County; (11) Operate a motorboat in Merrymeeting Bay at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour, except within the confines of the buoyed channels; (12) Operate a motorboat equipped with an internal combustion engine on the following waters on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County: Witch Hole Pond; Aunt Betty's Pond; Bubble Pond; Round Pond; and Lake Wood; (13) Operate a motorboat equipped with a motor greater than 10 horsepower on Upper Hadlock Pond or Lower Hadlock Pond on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County; (14) Operate a personal watercraft in violation of section 685‑C, subsection 10 or any rule adopted by the Maine Land Use Planning Commission to implement that subsection; (15) Operate a watercraft at greater than headway speed on any area of Torsey Lake within 1/2 mile from the boat launch on Desert Pond Road in the Town of Mount Vernon; (16) Operate a watercraft at greater than headway speed on any area of Torsey Lake within 1/2 mile from the boat launch on Old Kents Hill Road in the Town of Readfield; (17) Operate a watercraft equipped with a motor greater than 10 horsepower on Cold Rain Pond in the Town of Naples or on Holt Pond in the Town of Naples and the Town of Bridgton; (18) Operate a watercraft equipped with a motor greater than 5 horsepower on Moose Pond in the Town of Otisfield; (19) Operate a watercraft at greater than headway speed on any area of Pickerel Pond in the Town of Wayne; (20) Operate a motorboat having more than 10 horsepower on Middle Branch Pond in the Town of Waterboro in York County; (21) Operate a motorboat having more than 10 horsepower on Adams Pond, Foster Pond or Otter Pond in the Town of Bridgton in Cumberland County; or (22) Operate a motorboat having more than 10 horsepower on Pickerel Pond in the territory of T.32 MD in Hancock County. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).] 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, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).]

17. Operating motorboat without boater safety and education course certificate. The following provisions apply to operating a motorboat. A. Except as provided in paragraph C , beginning January 1, 2024, a person born on or after January 1, 1999 may not operate on inland waters of this State or territorial waters, as defined in section 6001, subsection 48‑B , a motorboat for recreational boating purposes propelled by machinery capable of producing more than 25 horsepower unless that person is 12 years of age or older and: (1) Has completed a boater safety and education course; and (2) Possesses and presents for inspection upon request to a law enforcement officer a boater safety and education course certificate. [PL 2023, c. 206, §5 (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 2021, c. 656, §5 (NEW).] C. A person is not required to meet the boater safety and education course requirement of this subsection if the person: (1) Possesses a valid Maine guide license and has met the requirements for carrying passengers for hire under section 13063 ; (2) Possesses a valid or expired United States merchant marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard for an operator of uninspected passenger vessel, or master or mate captain's license; (3) Is test driving a motorboat that is registered in accordance with section 13060‑A and that is offered for sale by a dealer that has been issued a watercraft dealer's certificate of number and the person is under the direct supervision of a person 16 years of age or older who has completed a boater safety and education course; (4) Possesses a rental or lease agreement that lists the person as an authorized operator of the motorboat and the person has completed a temporary boater safety course provided by the rental agent who has been issued a certificate of number as described in section 13064 . A renter or lessor meeting the requirements of this subparagraph may operate the rented or leased motorboat for up to 14 days from the date of course completion or for the duration of the rental agreement, whichever is earlier; or (5) Is not a citizen of the United States, arrived to the United States by sea and is temporarily operating on territorial waters as defined in section 6001, subsection 48‑B for 60 days or less. [PL 2023, c. 206, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 206, §§5, 6 (AMD).]

18. Operating motorboat for wakesurfing activity; minimum depth and distance from shore requirement. A person may not operate a motorboat engaged in a wakesurfing activity in less than 15 feet of water or within 300 feet of the shoreline. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $100 may be adjudged. [PL 2023, c. 611, §3 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5‑year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2023, c. 611, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 611, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12505 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12505
12 §12505. Bass tournament permit
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. A person may not conduct a bass tournament in waters free of ice without a permit issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Application. A bass club seeking approval to conduct a bass tournament pursuant to this section may make application to the commissioner in a manner and form to be designated by the commissioner. The application must include the club's tournament rules, any amendments or changes to the rules and a schedule of the dates, places and times of the proposed tournament. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2-A. Conditions; restrictions. The commissioner may place conditions and restrictions on a bass tournament permit. A. The commissioner may revoke a bass tournament permit issued to or refuse to issue a permit to a bass club that violates a condition or restriction placed on a bass tournament permit or disallow the participation of an individual who violates a condition or restriction placed on a bass tournament permit. [PL 2013, c. 358, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 358, §6 (NEW).]

3. Issuance; notification to municipality. The commissioner, following a determination that a bass club has complied with all rules adopted pursuant to this section, may issue a permit to the applicant club authorizing the club to conduct the tournament during open season for black bass in waters free of ice. At least 10 days prior to issuing the permit, the commissioner shall notify any affected municipality of the receipt of an application for a multi-day bass tournament. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fee. The fee for a bass tournament permit is: A. For weigh-in tournaments, $52 per day; and [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §25 (AMD).] B. For catch-and-release tournaments, $12 per day. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §25 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §25 (AMD).]

5. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt all rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to: A. Requiring that precautions be taken so that, if possible, all fish caught may be retained alive and, following the close of the tournament, be released into the body from which they were taken; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Fixing the maximum total value of prizes that may be awarded at each tournament; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Limiting the length of a tournament to 3 days. A tournament lasting more than one day must be a regional or multistate tournament sanctioned by the applicant bass club. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §251 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Violation of rules, conditions or restrictions; penalty. Except as provided in section 12602 , the following penalties apply to violations of rules adopted under subsection 5 and violations of conditions or restrictions placed on a bass tournament permit pursuant to subsection 2-A . A. A person who violates a rule adopted under subsection 5 or a condition or restriction placed on a bass tournament permit pursuant to subsection 2‑A commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2013, c. 358, §7 (AMD).] B. A person who violates a rule adopted under subsection 5 or a condition or restriction placed on a bass tournament permit pursuant to subsection 2‑A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2013, c. 358, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 358, §7 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1819 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1819
12 §1819. Charge user fees
Status: in_force

With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, the bureau may charge reasonable fees for services, accommodations and use. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

Unless otherwise provided by law, and after payment of any existing lease for Crescent Beach State Park, all user fees derived from use of state parks, historic sites and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and other payments for services received under this section must accrue to the General Fund, except that all revenues resulting from an increase in fees after July 1, 1990 in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway accrue to a dedicated revenue account to be used for capital improvements in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. After 2025, all revenue in excess of $5,476,268, after all other adjustments have been made, accrues to a nonlapsing dedicated revenue account to be used for capital improvements at state parks and historic sites; this account may also be used to match federal allocations from the land and water conservation fund established pursuant to the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. When fees may be more efficiently collected through 3rd-party contracts, a percentage of the fee may be retained by the contractor for services as agreed upon by the bureau. [PL 2021, c. 685, §1 (AMD).]

Any disabled veteran displaying on the veteran's motor vehicle special designating plates or placards issued in accordance with Title 29‑A, section 523, subsections 1 and 2 is not required to pay a fee for admission to any state-owned park, camping area or beach. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

A person displaying on the person's motor vehicle gold star family registration plates issued in accordance with Title 29‑A, section 524‑B and any passengers in that vehicle are not required to pay a fee for admission to any state-owned park or historic site managed by the State. The free entry is for day use only. For purposes of this paragraph, "day use" does not include camping. [PL 2021, c. 415, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1823 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1823
12 §1823. Assist county and municipal agencies
Status: in_force

The bureau may assist state, county and municipal agencies in studying and planning for their recreation areas and programs. [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. § 151 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 151
12 §151. Petition for creation
Status: in_force

Any 25 occupiers of land lying within the limits of the territory proposed to be organized into a district may file a petition with the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry asking that a soil and water conservation district be organized to function in the territory described in the petition. Such petition shall set forth: [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

1. Name. The proposed name of said district;

2. Need. That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, for a district to function in the territory described in the petition;

3. Description. A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district;

4. Referendum. A request that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry duly define the boundaries for such district; that a referendum be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a soil and water conservation district in such territory; and that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry determine that such a district be created. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

Where more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may consolidate all or any such petitions. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 9703 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 809 / Section 9703
12 §9703. Partial payment of costs of suppressing forest fires
Status: in_force

Any person who intentionally or negligently causes a fire that burns forest, brush, grass or other lands or intentionally fails to take reasonable action to control a fire on that person's own land is liable civilly for restitution of costs incurred by state or municipal government entities in the suppression of that fire, up to the maximum amount of restitution permitted under section 9321 . Compliance with section 9405-A does not relieve a railroad company of liability under this section. [PL 1993, c. 271, §3 (AMD); PL 1993, c. 271, §4 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10852 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10852
12 §10852. Lifetime privileges to be honored
Status: in_force

A lifetime license issued under this subchapter is valid for the life of the license holder unless lawfully suspended or revoked by the commissioner for a violation of fish and wildlife laws under this Part. The Legislature may not otherwise act in any way to limit or end the right of a person holding a lifetime license to the lifetime enjoyment of all the rights and privileges authorized by that license. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 9333 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9333
12 §9333. Disposal along railroads and utility lines
Status: in_force

1. Stumpage owner. A stumpage owner, operator, landowner or agent who cuts or causes or permits to be cut any forest growth on lands that are within or border the right-of-way of a railroad, a pipeline or an electric power, telegraph, telephone or cable line may not place slash or allow it to remain on the ground within the right-of-way or within 25 feet of the nearer side of the right-of-way. [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).]

2. Construction. Slash accumulated by the construction and maintenance of a railroad, a highway, a pipeline or an electric power, telegraph, telephone or cable line may not be left on the ground but must be hauled away, burned or chipped. Slash may not be left or placed within the right-of-way or within 25 feet of the nearer side of the right-of-way. If a burning permit is denied or revoked under this chapter, the director may allow logs that are too large to be chipped to remain in the right-of-way until the director determines that their removal is economically feasible. [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).]

3. Utility line maintenance. Slash accumulated by the periodic maintenance of a pipeline or an electric power, telegraph, telephone or cable line may be disposed of in the following manner. A. Slash with a diameter of 3 inches or less may be left in piles on the ground within the maintained portion of the right-of-way. A pile may not be higher than 18 inches from the ground or longer than 50 feet and must be separated from other piles by a minimum of 25 feet in every direction. A buffer strip with a minimum width of 10% of the total width of the maintained right-of-way must be kept totally free of slash with a diameter of 3 inches or less. [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).] B. Slash with a diameter of more than 3 inches must be removed, chipped or limbed and placed on the ground surface. The pieces must be separated and may not be piled one piece over another. Slash of this size may be left within the maintained buffer strips. [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).] C. If a utility line right-of-way is adjacent to a road, slash that is 3 inches or less in diameter must be removed, burned or chipped. Slash with a diameter of more than 3 inches may be left on the ground within the right-of-way and must be limbed and separated and may not be piled one piece over another. Usable timber products generated from the maintenance of a utility right-of-way may be piled within the right-of-way but must be removed within 30 days. [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 332, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8842-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8842-A
12 §8842-A. Owner's permission required
Status: in_force

1. Cutting prohibited. A person may not: A. Cut Christmas trees or evergreen boughs on land of another without securing written permission or a bill of sale from the owner or the owner's authorized agents and having a copy of this written permission or bill of sale in immediate possession. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or [PL 2015, c. 55, §1 (AMD).] B. Violate paragraph A when: (1) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime; (2) The person is armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime; (3) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $2,000 but not more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime; (4) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $1,000 but not more than $2,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or (5) The person has 2 prior Maine convictions for any combination of the following: theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 401 in which the crime intended to be committed inside the structure is theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 651 ; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 702 , 703 or 708 ; or attempts thereat. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 55, §1 (AMD).]

2. Transport prohibited. A person may not: A. Transport Christmas trees or evergreen boughs without written permission or a bill of sale from the owner of the land where the trees or evergreen boughs were harvested or that owner's authorized agents. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. Violate paragraph A when: (1) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime; (2) The person is armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime; (3) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $2,000 but not more than $10,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime; (4) The value of the trees or boughs is more than $1,000 but not more than $2,000. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or (5) The person has 2 prior Maine convictions for any combination of the following: theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 401 in which the crime intended to be committed inside the structure is theft; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 651 ; any violation of Title 17‑A, section 702 , 703 or 708 ; or attempts thereat. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

3. Inspections and investigations. An officer authorized to make inspections and investigations under this article may require of any person, firm or corporation engaged in cutting or transporting Christmas trees or evergreen boughs to show: A. If engaged in cutting trees or boughs belonging to another, a current written permit or bill of sale issued pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph A ; and [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. If engaged in transportation, a current written permit, bill of sale, port of entry statement or other written proof of ownership when transporting for commercial purposes trees, loose or in bundles, or boughs, loose or baled. A driver shall carry this permit on the driver's person or in the vehicle. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

4. Remedies not exclusive. Prosecution under this section does not preclude the civil remedy available under Title 14, section 7552 . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

5. Strict liability. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6621 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6621
12 §6621. Closed areas
Status: in_force

1. Taking from closed areas. A person may not: A. Fish for or take shellfish from any area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] B. Fish for or take shellfish from any area closed pursuant to section 6172 when the person has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph A ; [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] C. Possess, ship, transport or sell shellfish taken from any area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; or [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] D. Possess, ship, transport or sell shellfish taken from any area closed pursuant to section 6172 when the person has one or more prior convictions for violating paragraph C . [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).]

2. Washing or holding in closed areas. A person may not: A. Wash, hold or keep shellfish in any area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] B. Wash, hold or keep shellfish in any area closed pursuant to section 6172 when the person has one or more convictions for violating paragraph A ; [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] C. Possess, ship, transport or sell shellfish washed, held or kept in any area closed pursuant to section 6172 ; or [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] D. Possess, ship, transport or sell shellfish washed, held or kept in any area closed pursuant to section 6172 when the person has one or more convictions for violating paragraph C . [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 527, §10 (AMD).]

3. Exception. This section does not apply to: A. The taking of shellfish under the authority of section 6856 ; [PL 1989, c. 257, §1 (AMD).] B. [PL 2003, c. 520, §7 (RP).] C. Municipal officials, with express written authorization from the commissioner, who are engaging in activities authorized under section 6671 . Requests for exception must be submitted to the commissioner in writing stating the activities proposed and the name of the person designated by the municipal officials to supervise those activities. In addition, the municipality shall, at least 24 hours prior to engaging in the activity, notify the department of the time or times the activity authorized under this paragraph will be conducted; [PL 1995, c. 323, §1 (AMD).] D. The harvesting of shellfish from closed areas designated for purposes of relaying when harvesting is approved in writing by the commissioner consistent with regulations promulgated under section 6856 ; or [PL 1995, c. 323, §1 (AMD).] E. The harvesting of marine mollusks from closed areas for the use of bait or other uses not meant for human consumption, if the harvesting takes place according to rules adopted by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt rules that permit the taking, possession, shipping, transportation and selling of marine mollusks for bait or other uses not meant for human consumption, if the rules do not jeopardize certification of the State's shellfish according to the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. [PL 1995, c. 323, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 520, §7 (AMD).]

4. Penalty. A person who violates this article commits a Class D crime. The following minimum penalties apply: A. For the first offense, a fine of not less than $300; and [PL 1997, c. 628, §1 (AMD).] B. For subsequent offenses within 10 years from the date of conviction for the first violation, a fine of not less than $500. [PL 1997, c. 628, §1 (AMD).] The court may not suspend a fine imposed under this subsection. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §17 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12261 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12261
12 §12261. Beagle clubs; trapping snowshoe hares
Status: in_force

The commissioner may issue a license to an organization recognized as a beagle club by the commissioner to take live snowshoe hares. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

1. License required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a beagle club may not trap a snowshoe hare without a valid license issued under this section. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

2. Traps labeled and checked daily. A beagle club may not set a trap for a snowshoe hare unless that trap is plainly labeled with the name of the beagle club and the telephone number of a contact person and is checked at least once every calendar day. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

3. Use of snowshoe hares. A snowshoe hare trapped pursuant to this section may not be used for anything other than to stock the running areas of the licensee and may not be given to any other beagle club or entity. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

4. Transport out of State. A snowshoe hare trapped pursuant to this section may not be transported out of the State. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

5. Trapping season for snowshoe hares. A beagle club may not trap for snowshoe hares except between September 1st and April 30th of each calendar year. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

6. Cottontail rabbits. A beagle club may not keep and must release immediately a cottontail rabbit caught in a trap. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]

7. Reporting of trapped cottontail rabbits. As a condition of licensure under this section, a beagle club shall file with the department no later than July 1st of each calendar year a report of cottontail rabbits trapped pursuant to this section. [PL 2007, c. 45, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11951 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11951
12 §11951. Hunting hares and rabbits with dogs
Status: in_force

A person may use a dog to hunt, or may be accompanied by a dog while hunting, wild hares or rabbits during the open firearm season on deer. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §187 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12603 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12603
12 §12603. Failure to observe Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission rules and regulations
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not fish in any pond or in that portion of any river or stream subject to the authority of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission created by Title 30, Part 4 in violation of the rules or regulations of the commission. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. 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, §267 (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, §267 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §267 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6445 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6445
12 §6445. Logbooks for lobster harvesters
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring any person holding a lobster and crab fishing license to maintain a logbook. The rules must indicate the type of data that must be recorded in the logbook, the manner for producing the logbooks and the method for analyzing data from the logbooks. The commissioner shall charge a fee for the logbook that is sufficient to recover all costs associated with the production of the logbook and the analysis of the data. Fees received by the department from the sale of logbooks are dedicated revenue and must be used by the department for the purposes of this section. The logbook and data analysis may be produced and conducted by the department or may be produced and conducted by a public or private entity under contract with the department. Disclosure of any data collected under this section is subject to the confidentiality provisions of section 6173 . A person who fails to maintain a logbook when required to do so commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §3 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6502-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6502-C
12 §6502-C. Menhaden fishing license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current: A. Resident commercial menhaden fishing license; [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] B. Nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license; or [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] C. Noncommercial menhaden fishing license. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

1-A. Commercial menhaden fishing license eligibility in 2023. The commissioner may not issue a 2023 resident commercial menhaden fishing license or a 2023 nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license to an individual unless that individual: A. Possessed a license to fish commercially for menhaden in at least 2 of the following 4 years, 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022 except that an individual who is eligible for a commercial menhaden fishing license in 2023 and who held a 2nd commercial menhaden fishing license in 2022 is not eligible for a 2nd license in 2023; and [PL 2023, c. 169, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 169, §5 (AFF).] B. According to department records, reported legal landings of menhaden of 25,000 pounds or more in at least one of the following 4 years, 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022. Documentation, acceptable to the department, showing that the landing requirement in this paragraph has been met must be submitted to the department by January 1, 2023. [PL 2021, c. 670, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 169, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 169, §5 (AFF).]

1-B. Commercial menhaden fishing license eligibility after 2023. The commissioner may not issue a resident commercial menhaden fishing license or a nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license to an individual in any year subsequent to 2023 unless that individual possessed that license in the previous calendar year. [PL 2021, c. 670, §2 (NEW).]

1-C. Menhaden license limited entry system. Notwithstanding subsection 1‑B , the commissioner may establish by rule a limited entry system under which a person who did not hold a commercial menhaden license in the previous calendar year may become eligible to obtain that license. The rules for a limited entry system must include provisions for the method and administration of the system. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 169, §2 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 169, §5 (AFF).]

1-D. Fees. The department may assess a fee for participation in the limited entry system established in subsection 1‑C . [PL 2023, c. 169, §3 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 169, §5 (AFF).]

2. Licensed activity; commercial license. The holder of a commercial menhaden fishing license may fish for, take, possess, ship, transport or sell menhaden that the holder has taken using the vessel named on the license. A commercial menhaden fishing license also authorizes the crew members aboard the vessel named on the license to fish for, take, possess, ship or transport menhaden when the license holder is aboard the vessel. [PL 2023, c. 562, §1 (AMD).]

2-A. License exception; illness, disability. Notwithstanding subsection 2, the commissioner may temporarily authorize an individual other than the holder of a commercial menhaden fishing license to fish for, take, possess, ship, transport or sell menhaden when the license holder is not present if the license holder documents to the commissioner that an illness or disability temporarily prevents the license holder from fishing for or taking menhaden and requests in writing to the commissioner that the commissioner authorize another holder of a commercial menhaden fishing license to fish for or take menhaden from the license holder's vessel or the vessel named on the temporarily authorized license holder's license. The commissioner's authorization may require the temporarily authorized license holder to fish for, take, possess and land menhaden separately from the temporarily authorized license holder's own menhaden to ensure that harvest limits are not exceeded. A temporary authorization granted by the commissioner to another license holder due to the illness or disability of the license holder may not exceed one menhaden fishing season. [PL 2023, c. 562, §2 (NEW).]

2-B. Exception to using the vessel named on the license holder's license for commercial license holders. Notwithstanding subsection 2, the commissioner may temporarily authorize a holder of a commercial menhaden fishing license to use a vessel other than the vessel named on that license holder's license to fish for, take, possess, ship or transport menhaden if the license holder documents to the commissioner that the vessel named on that license holder's license has become temporarily inoperable because of an accident or a mechanical failure and requests in writing to the commissioner that the commissioner authorize the use of another vessel to fish for or take menhaden. The commissioner's authorization may require the license holder to fish for, take, possess and land menhaden separately from any menhaden taken under another license listing the same vessel to ensure that harvest limits are not exceeded. An authorization granted by the commissioner to a license holder due to an accident or a mechanical failure may not exceed 2 weeks. The commissioner may authorize one 2-week extension per license holder during the menhaden fishing season. [PL 2023, c. 562, §3 (NEW).]

3. Licensed activity; noncommercial license. The holder of a noncommercial menhaden fishing license may fish for, take or possess menhaden that the holder has taken using the vessel named on the license. A noncommercial menhaden fishing license authorizes the crew members aboard the vessel named on the license to fish for, take or possess menhaden when the license holder is aboard the vessel. [PL 2023, c. 562, §4 (AMD).]

4. Eligibility. A noncommercial menhaden fishing license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident. An individual is eligible to hold only one license described in subsection 1 per calendar year. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

5. Fees and surcharges. Fees and surcharges for menhaden fishing licenses are as follows: A. For a resident commercial menhaden fishing license, $128, plus a $200 surcharge; [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] B. For a nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license, $500, plus a $400 surcharge; and [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] C. For a noncommercial menhaden fishing license, $48, plus a $50 surcharge. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).] The commissioner shall deposit surcharges collected pursuant to this subsection in the Pelagic and Anadromous Fisheries Fund established under section 6041 . [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

6. Exemption. The licensing requirement under subsection 1 does not apply to a person who fishes for, takes, possesses or transports menhaden that have been taken by speargun, harpoon, minnow trap, hand dip net or hook and line and are only for personal use. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

7. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

8. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section including provisions that provide limitations on the holder of a resident commercial menhaden fishing license, a nonresident commercial menhaden fishing license and a noncommercial menhaden fishing license. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]

9. Effective date. This section takes effect January 1, 2021. [PL 2019, c. 640, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1846 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1846
12 §1846. Access to public reserved lands
Status: reserved

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

2. Establishment of restrictions on public access. [PL 2001, c. 604, §10 (RP).]

3. Unlawful entry onto public reserved lands. [PL 2001, c. 604, §10 (RP).]

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

5. User fees. The bureau may charge reasonable fees to defray the cost of constructing and maintaining overnight campsites and other camping and recreation facilities. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 2 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 2
12 §2. Policy
Status: in_force

Conservation of soil and water resources may involve adjustments in land and water use and the development, improvement and protection of these resources under various combinations of use. It is declared to be the policy of the Legislature to provide for and encourage the optimal use of the State's agricultural resources, to insure the availability of appropriate soil and water resources for the production of food and other renewable resources, to provide for the conservation of the soil and soil and water resources of this State, and for the control and prevention of soil erosion, and thereby to preserve natural resources and maintain the economic base for the State's natural resource industries, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this State. [PL 1985, c. 482, §3 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6423 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6423
12 §6423. Lobster and crab fishing education program
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish an education program in accordance with this section for training applicants for noncommercial lobster and crab fishing licenses. [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).]

1. Pamphlet. The department shall issue a pamphlet of all the laws and rules relating to a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license to each applicant for a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license who has not successfully completed a written examination pursuant to subsection 2 or met the requirements of section 6421, subsection 5‑B, paragraph B . [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).]

2. Examination. A written examination is required for any person who applies for a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license who has not successfully completed a written examination under this subsection or met the requirements of section 6421, subsection 5‑B, paragraph B . The commissioner shall determine the form and content of the written examination. The written examination must be provided to an applicant with the pamphlet required under subsection 1 . The applicant must return the completed written examination to the department and receive a passing grade on the written examination prior to receiving a noncommercial license. [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).]

3. Surcharge; credit to Lobster Management Fund. The commissioner shall set a surcharge, not to exceed $15, sufficient to recover the costs incurred by the department in providing the program under this section. A person who successfully completes the program and pays the surcharge may not be charged the surcharge to renew the license. The commissioner may provide copies of the education materials developed under this section to an applicant for another lobster and crab fishing license upon receipt of the surcharge. Surcharges collected under this subsection must be credited to the Lobster Management Fund established in section 6431‑C . [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6865 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 625 / Section 6865
12 §6865. Elver exporter's license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without an elver exporter's license. [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

2. License activities. A person who holds an elver exporter's license may buy elvers from a person licensed under section 6864 and transport elvers beyond the state limits. [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

3. License limited. An elver exporter's license authorizes the licensed activities on only one vehicle, owned, leased or rented by the license holder. [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

4. Use of transaction card required. The department shall issue to an exporter licensed under this section an electronic recording device that records the information on an elver dealer transaction card issued by the department under section 6864, subsection 7‑B to record all sales and purchase transactions. A person licensed in accordance with this section may not buy or transfer elvers to or from another individual licensed in accordance with section 6864 without using an elver dealer transaction card. A person licensed in accordance with this section must have access to an operational Internet connection when using an elver dealer transaction card to buy or sell elvers. [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

5. Fees. The fee for an elver exporter's license is $5,000. If the department requires inspection of elvers prior to export, the department may charge up to $500 for each inspection. [PL 2019, c. 163, §7 (AMD).]

6. Disposition of fees. All fees collected under this section accrue to the Eel and Elver Management Fund established in section 6505‑D . [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

7. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which a fine of $2,000 must be imposed, none of which may be suspended. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

8. Records. An exporter licensed under this section shall maintain records as specified by the commissioner in rule. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]

9. Authorized representatives. A person who holds an elver exporter's license may identify authorized representatives to act on the license holder's behalf to transport elvers beyond state limits. The elver exporter's license holder must identify authorized representatives on forms provided by the department. [PL 2015, c. 45, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6072-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6072-B
12 §6072-B. Emergency aquaculture lease for shellfish
Status: in_force

1. Authority. The commissioner may issue an emergency aquaculture lease for areas in, on and under the coastal waters including the public lands beneath those waters and portions of the intertidal zone for the emergency aquaculture relocation of shellfish from an area for which a lease has been issued pursuant to section 6072 or section 6072‑A when the health and safety of those shellfish are threatened. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

2. Limitation. The commissioner may not issue a lease under this section unless: A. The applicant holds a lease pursuant to section 6072 or 6072‑A , except that this paragraph does not apply if the department is the applicant; [PL 2021, c. 557, §2 (AMD).] B. The applicant demonstrates to the commissioner that the health and safety of shellfish at the leased area are threatened; and [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).] C. The commissioner determines the relocation of those shellfish to an emergency aquaculture lease area would not threaten the water quality of the receiving waters or the health of marine organisms in those waters. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 557, §2 (AMD).]

3. Permission of intertidal land owners. The commissioner may not grant an emergency aquaculture lease unless the applicant obtains the written permission of every owner of intertidal land in, on or over which the emergency aquaculture activity occurs. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

4. No fee. The commissioner may not charge a fee for an emergency aquaculture lease. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

5. Suspended culture. A person issued an emergency aquaculture lease under this section may construct or operate in the coastal waters of the State a facility for the suspended culture of shellfish. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

6. Limit on duration. An emergency aquaculture lease may not be issued for a period greater than 6 months. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

7. Extension of emergency aquaculture lease. If a person who holds an emergency aquaculture lease submits an application under section 6072 or 6072‑A for all or a portion of that lease area before the emergency aquaculture lease expires, and if the commissioner's decision under section 6072 or 6072‑A occurs after the expiration of that emergency aquaculture lease, the emergency aquaculture lease remains in effect until the commissioner makes a decision. If the commissioner grants that person a lease under section 6072 or 6072‑A , that person's emergency aquaculture lease remains in effect until the effective date of the lease issued under section 6072 or 6072‑A . If the commissioner denies that person a lease under section 6072 or 6072‑A , that person's emergency aquaculture lease remains in effect until 30 days after the commissioner's decision. [PL 2011, c. 93, §7 (AMD).]

8. Public notice. Upon granting an emergency aquaculture lease, the commissioner shall provide notice to the municipality in which the emergency aquaculture lease area is located. Within at least 30 days from granting an emergency aquaculture lease, the commissioner shall publish notice of the emergency aquaculture lease in a newspaper of general circulation in the lease area. The notice must describe the area leased and list any restriction in the leased area. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

9. Actions required of lease holder. After being granted an emergency aquaculture lease, a lessee shall: A. Record the lease in the registry of deeds of each county in which the leased area is located; and [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).] B. Mark the leased area in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

10. Conditions. The commissioner may establish conditions that govern the use of the emergency aquaculture lease area and limitations on the aquaculture activities. These conditions must encourage the greatest multiple, compatible uses of the leased area, but must also address the ability of the lease site and surrounding area to support ecologically significant flora and fauna and preserve the exclusive rights of the lessee to the extent necessary to carry out the lease purpose. The commissioner may grant the lease on a conditional basis until the lessee has acquired all the necessary federal, state and local permits. A lease may not be approved unless the commissioner has received certification from the Department of Environmental Protection that the project will not violate the standards ascribed to the receiving waters classification in Title 38, section 465‑B . [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

11. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to establish application requirements, a process for application review and a process for deciding upon lease applications and otherwise implement the provisions of this section. [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]

Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1997, c. 231, §6 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1863 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1863
12 §1863. Shore and Harbor Management Fund
Status: in_force

1. Creation of fund. The Shore and Harbor Management Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund to support shore and harbor management improvement activities. The fund is administered by the director. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Purpose. The purpose of the fund is to support shore and harbor management improvement activities by providing grants to municipalities and funds to state agencies. These activities include but are not limited to the development of harbor management plans and public access facilities. A portion of the fund, not to exceed 25% of available revenues, may be used to support management programs on state-owned coastal islands under the jurisdiction of the bureau. [PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. J, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Fund sources. Annual revenues, less funds deposited in the Renewable Ocean Energy Trust pursuant to section 1863‑A and operating expenses from the submerged and intertidal lands program and the abandoned watercraft program and conveyances of submerged and intertidal lands by the Legislature, must be deposited in the fund. [PL 2009, c. 615, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).]

4. Administration. The director shall develop criteria for awarding grants under this section. Money in the fund not immediately required pursuant to this section must be invested by the Treasurer of State as authorized by Title 5, section 138 . Interest on these investments must be credited to the fund. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10304 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10304
12 §10304. Relation to other funding
Status: in_force

The fund supplements sources and levels of funding appropriated and allocated by the Legislature to natural resources agencies. It is the intent of the Legislature that a grant received from the fund not be considered a substitute for funds previously appropriated or allocated to a natural resources agency. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10654 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 909 / Section 10654
12 §10654. Harassment of hunters, trappers and anglers
Status: in_force

1. Interference with taking. A person may not intentionally or knowingly interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing or trapping of a wild animal, wild bird or fish. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Disturb or attempt to disturb. A person may not intentionally or knowingly disturb or attempt to disturb a wild animal, wild bird or fish with the intent to interfere with the hunting, fishing or trapping of a wild animal, wild bird or fish. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Injunctions. The District Court or Superior Court may enjoin conduct that would be in violation of this section upon petition by a person affected or who reasonably may be affected by that conduct upon a showing that the conduct is threatened or that it has occurred on particular premises in the past and that it is not unreasonable to expect that under similar circumstances it will be repeated. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Property rights otherwise provided by law. This section does not limit ownership use, access or control of property rights otherwise provided by law. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §70 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1891-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1891-A
12 §1891-A. Participants
Status: in_force

The Corps shall strive to include a diversity of participants. Priority must be given to those whose family income is 150% or less of the nonfarm income official poverty line as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget and as revised annually in accordance with the United States Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Section 673, Subsection 2 and to those who are low-income individuals as defined by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 United States Code, Section 3102 . A person is not eligible if that person has left a secondary school for the purpose of participating in the Corps. Corps members may be jointly enrolled in any state or local job training program or human resource development program. [PL 2017, c. 110, §3 (AMD).] Revisor's Note: §1891-A. Allagash Wilderness Waterway Permanent Endowment Fund (As enacted by PL 2007, c. 146, §4 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 1890-B)(REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 1890-B)
12 M.R.S. § 12160 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12160
12 §12160. Disposition of wolf hybrids
Status: in_force

1. Determination of species. The department shall respond to requests under Title 7, section 3911‑B, subsection 3 for assistance in capturing and disposing of an animal suspected of being a wolf hybrid. The department may presume that the animal is a wolf hybrid if: A. Licensure as a dog under Title 7, section 3922 cannot be confirmed; [PL 2011, c. 100, §16 (NEW).] B. The animal bears no identification indicating ownership; and [PL 2011, c. 100, §16 (NEW).] C. The animal has distinct wolflike characteristics. [PL 2011, c. 100, §16 (NEW).] The department may pursue genetic testing to determine if the animal is a wolf or wolf hybrid. [PL 2011, c. 100, §16 (NEW).]

2. Rulemaking. The department shall adopt rules establishing procedures for disposing of animals determined to be wolf hybrids under subsection 1 . For the purposes of this section, "disposing" includes, but is not limited to, transferring the animal to a person holding a permit under section 12152 or euthanasia in accordance with Title 17, chapter 42, subchapter 4 . Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 100, §16 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 154 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 154
12 §154. Expenses; regulations; informalities
Status: in_force

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall pay all expenses for the issuance of such notices and the conduct of such hearings and referenda. It shall issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct of such hearings and referenda. No informalities in the conduct thereof shall invalidate said referendum. [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6080 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6080
12 §6080. Aquaculture Advisory Council
Status: in_force

1. Appointment; composition. The Aquaculture Advisory Council, referred to in this section as "the council" and established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 57‑C , consists of 7 members who are appointed by the commissioner as follows. A. The commissioner shall appoint at least 5 and up to 6 members from the aquaculture industry. In making appointments under this paragraph, the commissioner shall ensure geographic representation as well as representation of multiple sectors of the aquaculture industry and representation of businesses operating at different scales within the aquaculture industry. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (NEW).] B. The commissioner shall appoint one member who is a member of the public with expertise in matters related to the work of the council. If the number of members appointed pursuant to paragraph A is fewer than 6, then the commissioner shall appoint one additional member who is a member of the public with expertise in matters related to the work of the council. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (NEW).] In making appointments, the commissioner may consider nominations from the council and from associations representing the interests of persons involved in the aquaculture industry. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (AMD).]

2. Term. Council members serve for 3 years and continue serving until a successor is duly appointed and qualified. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. In the case of a vacancy, the commissioner shall promptly fill the vacancy. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (AMD).]

3. Purpose. The council shall make recommendations to the commissioner and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resources matters concerning: A. Matters of interest to the aquaculture industry, including, but not limited to, the leasing and licensing process, seed source, animal health, gear, compliance and research; and [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (NEW).] B. Expenditures from the Aquaculture Management Fund for the purposes described in section 6072‑D, subsection 4 . [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (NEW).] The council shall bring forward to the commissioner matters of concern to the aquaculture industry and assist the commissioner with the dissemination of information to members of the aquaculture industry. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (AMD).]

4. Officers. The officers of the council are the chair and vice-chair. The term of the officers is one year. The council shall elect a member of the council for each officer position at the first regular meeting of each year. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (AMD).]

5. Meetings. The council shall meet at least twice each year, and the meetings may not be held within the same quarter. It may also meet at other times at the call of the chair or the commissioner. [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (AMD).]

6. Repeal. [PL 1999, c. 156, §5 (RP).]

7. Compensation. Council members are entitled to expenses according to Title 5, chapter 379 , which are paid from the Aquaculture Management Fund established in section 6072‑D . [PL 2023, c. 556, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12053 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12053
12 §12053. Unlawful use of licensed dog training area
Status: in_force

1. Unlawful use of licensed dog training area. The following provisions apply to licensed dog training areas. A. A person may not hunt on a licensed dog training area licensed under section 12052 except that the owner of the land being used as a licensed dog training area may hunt wild animals and wild birds on the training area to the extent permitted by this Part. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. A person may not do any of the following on a dog training area licensed and posted in accordance with section 12052 except as provided in section 12052 : (1) Train a dog; (2) Hold a field trial; (3) Enter the area accompanied by a dog; or (4) Permit a dog of which that person is the owner or trainer to enter the area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §196 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §196 (AMD); 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, §197 (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, §197 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §197 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13156-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 939 / Section 13156-A
12 §13156-A. Findings
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that activities associated with ATVs constitute a more intrusive use of private property open to recreational use by the public than do other recreational activities, and that abusive uses of ATVs puts access to private property for recreational use at risk. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §14 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 756 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 209 / Section 756
12 §756. Acadia National Park
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Firearm" has the same meaning as in section 10001, subsection 21 . [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] B. "Residential dwelling" means a fixed housing structure that either is the principal residence of its occupants or is occupied on a regular and recurring basis by its occupants as an alternate residence or vacation home. [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).]

2. Possession of firearms. A person may not use or possess a firearm in Acadia National Park except: A. Within a residential dwelling; [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] B. To the extent the firearm is used in connection with hunting when and where authorized by state or federal law; [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] C. Within a mechanical mode of conveyance as long as the firearm is rendered temporarily inoperable or is packed, cased or stored in a manner that prevents its ready use; [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] D. When the firearm is carried by an authorized federal, state or local law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer's official duties; [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] E. When the firearm is a concealed firearm carried by a qualified law enforcement officer pursuant to 18 United States Code, Section 926B. The law enforcement officer must have in the law enforcement officer's possession photographic identification issued by the law enforcement agency by which the person is employed as a law enforcement officer; [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] F. When the firearm is a concealed firearm carried by a qualified retired law enforcement officer pursuant to 18 United States Code, Section 926C. The retired law enforcement officer must have in the retired law enforcement officer's possession: (1) Photographic identification issued by the law enforcement agency from which the person retired from service as a law enforcement officer that indicates that the person has, not less recently than one year before the date the person is carrying the concealed firearm, been tested or otherwise found by the agency to meet the standards established by the agency for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the same type as the concealed firearm; or (2) Photographic identification issued by the law enforcement agency from which the person retired from service as a law enforcement officer and a certification issued by the state in which the person resides that indicates that the person has, not less recently than one year before the date the person is carrying the concealed firearm, been tested or otherwise found by the state to meet the standards established by the state for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the same type as the concealed firearm; or [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] G. When the firearm is a concealed firearm carried by a person to whom a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued as provided in Title 25, chapter 252 . The person must have in that person's possession the permit as required in Title 25, section 2003 . [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).]

3. Violation. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who, in violation of subsection 2 , possesses or uses a firearm that is not concealed commits a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who, in violation of subsection 2 , possesses or uses a concealed firearm commits a Class D crime, which is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] C. A person who is authorized to use or possess a firearm under subsection 2, paragraphs E to G who does not have the required identification or permit in that person's possession at all times when possessing or using the firearm commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $100 may be adjudged. [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 607, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12654 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12654
12 §12654. Unlawful angling or fishing
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not angle or fish other than by the use of the single baited hook and line, artificial flies, artificial lures and spinners, except that a person may take smelts in accordance with rules adopted with regard to the taking of smelts. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10201 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10201
12 §10201. Power to raise revenue
Status: in_force

1. Sale of publications. If the commissioner determines it advisable for the more effective dissemination of factual information, information of public interest or information tending to promote better public relations, the commissioner may fix the price, if any, of certain publications and materials of the department and sell and deliver them. Publications and materials included within this authority are all publications, articles, biological and statistical data, professional and technical service reports by departmental personnel and other materials in the department's possession and pertaining to the department. These publications may not carry any advertising of a political nature but may carry commercial advertising. The commissioner shall accept commercial advertising in the department's general circulation magazine entitled "Maine Fish and Wildlife" and any successor or similar publication developed by the department. The commissioner may sell or lease video and audio recordings, photographs and negatives owned by the department and may fix the price, if any, giving consideration to their fair market value. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. E, §3 (AMD).]

2. Sale of advertising in abstracts of fish and wildlife laws. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. E, §4 (RP).]

3. Sale of general merchandise. The commissioner may engage in the selling and marketing of general merchandise products such as T-shirts, aprons, coffee mugs and greeting cards when the express purpose is to accommodate public demand and generate supplemental funds. These funds may not be used for any costs associated with a quarterly magazine produced by the department. A. The commissioner may create dedicated accounts to deposit money received from the sale of general merchandise pursuant to this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §38 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Funds received by the commissioner from the sale of general merchandise products pursuant to this subsection must be deposited in a dedicated account to be used only for the purposes described in section 10108, subsection 2 . [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, §38 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Promotion and education on lead sinkers and lures. The commissioner may accept money, goods or services donated to the department for the purpose of educating the public on ways to minimize the threat to loons and other bird species from discarded or lost lead sinkers and lures. Any money, goods or services accepted by the commissioner under this subsection may be used only for those purposes. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Design of migratory waterfowl permit; sale of prints. The design of migratory waterfowl permits pursuant to section 11157 and sale of prints must be as follows. A. The commissioner may provide for the reproduction, sale, licensing, distribution and other disposal of any art created in conjunction with the permit. The commissioner shall establish by rule the procedures governing the design of the permit and the reproduction, sale, licensing, distribution and other disposal of any art created in conjunction with the permit. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §39 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. The design of the permit and any art created in conjunction with it may be selected through an art contest. The commissioner may award a cash prize for the winning entry selected in a contest. [PL 2009, c. 340, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 340, §7 (AMD).]

6. Donations. The commissioner may 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 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §40 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

7. Donations for disabled veterans. The commissioner may accept money donated to support hunting opportunities in the State for disabled veterans. Any money donated to the department for this purpose must be transferred to the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services to be deposited into the Hunting Opportunities for Disabled Veterans Fund established in Title 37‑B, section 516 . [PL 2019, c. 199, §1 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 377, §6 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 10155 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10155
12 §10155. Advisory Board for the Licensing of Taxidermists
Status: in_force

The Advisory Board for the Licensing of Taxidermists is established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 23‑A and referred to in this section as "the board." [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Membership. Members of the board must be residents of the State. The board consists of the following 4 members: A. Two employees of the department, appointed by the commissioner, one of whom may be a retired employee who has experience in taxidermy; and [PL 2011, c. 533, §1 (AMD).] B. Two licensed taxidermists with expertise in the art of taxidermy, appointed by the Governor. [PL 2011, c. 533, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 2011, c. 533, §1 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 533, §1 (AMD).]

2. Term. The term of office for members of the board is 3 years, except that the terms must be staggered to the extent possible. Appointments for terms of less than 3 years may be made in order to stagger the terms. Upon expiration of a member's term, that member shall serve until a qualified successor is appointed. The successor's term is 3 years from the date of the expiration, regardless of the date of appointment. A vacancy in the office of a member is filled by the appointing authority for that position for the unexpired term. The department members may be removed by the commissioner for cause. All other members may be removed by the Governor for cause. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Staff assistance. The department shall provide staff assistance as necessary. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Duties. The board shall advise the commissioner regarding implementation of sections 10909 , 12952 , 12953 and this section and any related rules and shall assist in the development and conduct of examinations. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Quorum. Three members of the board constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Compensation. All members of the board except state employees are entitled to receive compensation as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §33 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

7. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §34 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

8. Examiners. The board shall designate examiners for the purpose of conducting oral examinations pursuant to section 12953 . Examiners must be selected from active or retired members of the Bureau of Warden Service, current or former board members or currently licensed Maine taxidermists. Designated examiners are entitled to $150 per day plus per diem. [PL 2023, c. 308, §7 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 9003 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9003
12 §9003. Repeal; amend
Status: in_force

If, after issuing the proclamation provided for in section 9001 , by reason of rains or otherwise the Governor is satisfied that the occasion for the issuance of the proclamation has passed, the Governor may amend, repeal and replace it by another proclamation affecting the sections covered by the original proclamation, or any part of the original proclamation, and that new proclamation must be published and posted in the same manner as provided for the issuance of the original proclamation. [PL 1995, c. 586, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1837 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1837
12 §1837. Sale of nonreserved public lands
Status: in_force

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

2. Notice of land sale, exchange or relocation. Before requesting approval from the Legislature under subsection 1 , the director shall give public notice of the proposed sale of land, exchange or relocation and may hold a public hearing. A public hearing must be held by the director if requested by any party. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11801 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11801
12 §11801. Prohibited hunting methods
Status: in_force

1. Unlawful hunting of wild turkey. A person may not hunt wild turkeys in violation of rules adopted under section 11701 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §183 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Unlawful methods of hunting wild turkey. A person may not: A. Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any manner while hunting wild turkeys except during the fall wild turkey hunting season; [PL 2009, c. 550, §5 (AMD).] B. Engage in an organized drive of any manner while hunting wild turkeys; or [PL 2015, c. 301, §23 (AMD).] C. [PL 2015, c. 301, §24 (RP).] D. Use a trap or other device intended or designed for the purpose of capturing or ensnaring wild turkeys. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 301, §§23, 24 (AMD).]

3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 552, §12 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12701 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12701
12 §12701. Commissioner's authority over sanctuaries; management areas and access sites
Status: in_force

1. Public use. The commissioner may, pursuant to section 10104 , adopt rules regulating hunting, fishing, trapping or other public use of any wildlife management area or wildlife sanctuary as designated in section 12706, subsection 1 , except that a landowner may not be prohibited from operating any vehicle on land on which that person is domiciled. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §289 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Natural products. The commissioner may harvest and sell natural products of the land from land owned by the department and, if the land was purchased with federal aid funds, use the resulting revenue for land management, in accordance with federal aid guidelines. [PL 2007, c. 217, §1 (AMD).]

3. Trapping. The commissioner may regulate the trapping of wild animals on wildlife sanctuaries or closed territories. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fees. The commissioner may establish reasonable fees for admission to the Maine Wildlife Park and the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area at Perkins Township, Sagadahoc County, known as Swan Island and Little Swan Island. Fees associated with the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area must be deposited into a dedicated revenue account. In addition to those fees, the commissioner may accept and deposit into the dedicated revenue account money from any other source, public or private. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. KKKK, §1 (AMD).]

5. Access sites to inland and coastal waters. The commissioner may, pursuant to section 10104, subsection 1 , adopt rules regulating public use of department-owned or department-maintained sites that provide public access to inland or coastal waters. The commissioner may establish reasonable fees for use of these sites by members of the public as necessary to help defray the cost of routine maintenance and security. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §290 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11223 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11223
12 §11223. Aid to injured person and reporting hunting accident
Status: in_force

1. Duty. A person who knows or has reason to know that that person has inflicted injury or may have inflicted injury on another person by the use of a firearm or archery equipment shall: A. Make that person known to the victim; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Render first aid and assistance as that person is capable of rendering under the circumstances; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Give notice of the event by the quickest means to a game warden or, in the event that a game warden cannot be contacted, to the law enforcement officer nearest the place where the event occurred. [PL 2023, c. 239, §30 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 239, §30 (AMD).]

2. Prohibition. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §154 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. A person who fails to aid an injured person or report a hunting accident in accordance with this section commits a Class C crime. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6173-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 607 / Section 6173-A
12 §6173-A. Maine Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program; confidentiality for proprietary information
Status: in_force

Except as provided in subsections 1 and 2 , information obtained by the department under this section is a public record as provided by Title 1, chapter 13, subchapter 1 . [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. F, §1 (NEW).]

1. Confidential information. Information submitted to the department under the provisions of the Maine Working Waterfront Access Protection Program established by section 6042 may be designated by the submittor as proprietary information and as being only for the confidential use of the department, its agents and employees, other agencies of State Government, as authorized by the Governor, and the Attorney General. The designation must be clearly indicated on each page or other unit of information. The commissioner shall establish procedures to ensure that information so designated is segregated from public records of the department. The department's public records must include the indication that information so designated has been submitted to the department, giving the name of the submittor and the general nature of the information. Upon a request for information the scope of which includes information so designated, the commissioner shall notify the submittor. Within 15 days after receipt of the notice, the submittor shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the designated information should not be disclosed because the information is proprietary information. Unless such a demonstration is made, the information must be disclosed and becomes a public record. The department may grant or deny disclosure for all or any part of the designated information requested and within 15 days shall give written notice of the decision to the submittor and the person requesting the designated information. A person aggrieved by a decision of the department under this subsection may appeal to the Superior Court. [PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. B, §7 (AMD).]

2. Release information. The commissioner may not release information designated under subsection 1 prior to the expiration of the time allowed for the filing of an appeal or to the rendering of the decision on any appeal. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. F, §1 (NEW).]

3. Nonconfidential information. Any information that is collected by any other local, state or federal agency or information required by the department for the purpose of obtaining a permit, license, certification or other approval may not be designated or treated as confidential information under subsection 1 . [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. F, §1 (NEW).]

4. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "proprietary information" means information that is a trade secret or production, commercial or financial information the disclosure of which would impair the competitive position of the submittor and would make available information not otherwise publicly available. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. F, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13153 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 939 / Section 13153
12 §13153. Rule violations; ATVs
Status: in_force

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating ATVs. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §402 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Civil. Notwithstanding section 10650 , a person who violates a rule regulating ATVs 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, §402 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Criminal. A person who violates a rule regulating ATVs 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, §402 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8908 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 8908
12 §8908. Aerial Fire Suppression Fund
Status: in_force

1. Establishment of fund. The Aerial Fire Suppression Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established through the Office of the State Controller as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction of the bureau to ensure the viability of its aerial fire suppression program. The bureau may assess charges to agencies of the State for the use of the bureau's aerial fire suppression resources for purposes other than fire suppression and shall deposit any such money received into the fund. The bureau may apply for and accept any appropriation, grant, gift or service made available from any public or private source consistent with the purpose of this section and shall deposit any such money into the fund. [PL 2005, c. 28, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Use of fund. The bureau may use the fund to pay operating expenses and to purchase aerial fire suppression resources, including helicopters, airplanes and spare parts, in accordance with the bureau's plan to diversify and modernize its aerial fire suppression fleet. [PL 2019, c. 616, Pt. K, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11653 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11653
12 §11653. Tagging moose
Status: in_force

1. Tags. The commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of and produce moose tags. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Tagging. Prior to presenting a moose for registration, a person may not possess or leave in the field or forest a moose killed by that person unless the moose has securely attached to it a plainly visible tag that conforms to the requirements established under this section. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 2 . A. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §178 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10853 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10853
12 §10853. Complimentary and reduced-rate licenses
Status: in_force

1. Residents over 70 years of age. A complimentary license to hunt, trap or fish, including an archery license under section 11109, subsection 7 , a pheasant hunting permit under section 11156 , a muzzle-loading permit under section 11109, subsection 4 , a migratory waterfowl permit under section 11157 and a bear hunting permit under section 11151 must be issued to a resident who is 70 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner. A. A resident who applies for a complimentary license under this section at any time during the calendar year of that resident's 70th birthday must be issued a license upon application, regardless of the actual date during that calendar year in which that resident attains 70 years of age. A guide license may be renewed without charge for a resident who is 70 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner. The application must be accompanied by a birth certificate or other certified evidence of the applicant's date of birth and residency. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Beginning January 1, 2006, the department may not issue a complimentary license to a resident over 70 years of age. A complimentary license issued to a resident over 70 years of age prior to January 1, 2006 is valid as long as the license holder satisfies the residency requirements set out in section 10001, subsection 53 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A complimentary license issued under this subsection remains valid for the remainder of the life of the license holder, as long as the license holder continues to satisfy the residency requirements set out in section 10001, subsection 53 and the license is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).]

1-A. Residents 100 years of age or older. A complimentary antlerless deer permit under section 11152 may be issued to a resident of the State who is 100 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner. A. A resident who applies for a complimentary antlerless deer permit under this subsection at any time during the calendar year of that resident's 100th birthday may be issued the permit regardless of the actual date during that calendar year in which that resident attains 100 years of age. The application must be accompanied by a birth certificate or other certified evidence of the applicant's date of birth and proof of residency. [PL 2005, c. 75, §1 (NEW).] B. A complimentary antlerless deer permit issued under this subsection remains valid for the remainder of the life of the permit holder, as long as the permit holder continues to satisfy the residency requirements set out in section 10001, subsection 53 and the permit is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2005, c. 75, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]

2. Blind residents. A complimentary license to fish must be issued to a resident who is 16 years of age or older and blind and applies to the commissioner for the fishing license. This complimentary license remains valid for the life of the license holder if the license holder continues to satisfy the residency requirements in section 10001, subsection 53 and the license is not revoked or suspended. The application must be accompanied by certified evidence that the applicant is permanently blind. For the purpose of this subsection, "blind" means having visual acuity for distance vision of 20/200 if the widest diameter of field of vision subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §93 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Paraplegics. A resident paraplegic or a nonresident paraplegic who is a resident of another state may obtain upon application, at no cost, all hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, including permits, stamps and other permission needed to hunt, trap and fish. A license holder under this subsection who qualifies to hunt during the expanded archery season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit and one either-sex permit. The commissioner shall issue all fishing, trapping and hunting licenses and permits applied for under this subsection if the commissioner determines the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection and is not otherwise ineligible to hold that permit or license. For the purposes of this subsection, "paraplegic" means a person who has lost, or who has permanently lost the use of, both lower extremities. A license issued to a resident paraplegic under this subsection remains valid for the life of the license holder if the license holder continues to be a resident as that term is defined under section 10001, subsection 53 and the license is not revoked or suspended. A nonresident paraplegic may apply for and be qualified to be issued the complimentary licenses and permits referred to in this subsection as long as the state where the person resides provides a reciprocal privilege for resident paraplegics of this State. [PL 2025, c. 333, §2 (AMD).]

4. Disabled veteran. A resident disabled veteran or a nonresident disabled veteran who is a resident of another state may obtain upon application, at no cost, all hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, including permits, stamps and other permission needed to hunt, trap and fish, and, upon meeting the qualifications as established in section 12853, subsection 4 , a guide license. A license holder under this subsection who qualifies to hunt during the expanded archery season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit and one either-sex permit. The commissioner shall issue all fishing, trapping and hunting licenses and permits requested under this subsection if the commissioner determines the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection and is not otherwise ineligible to hold that permit or license. For the purposes of this subsection, "disabled veteran" means a person who: A. [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §19 (RP).] B. Was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §19 (RPR).] C. Has a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more. [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §19 (RPR).] Each application must be accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection. An applicant for a license or permit under this section is subject to the provisions of this Part, including, but not limited to, a lottery or drawing system for issuing a particular license or permit. A permit or license issued under this subsection remains valid for the life of the permit or license holder, as long as the permit or license holder continues to remain a resident of this State or another state and the permit or license issued under this subsection is not revoked or suspended. For a nonresident to be eligible under this subsection, that nonresident's state must have a reciprocal agreement with this State. [PL 2025, c. 333, §3 (AMD).]

5. Holders of Congressional Medal of Honor. Upon application, the Governor may grant 2-year complimentary hunting and fishing licenses to holders of the Congressional Medal of Honor. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. 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 State may be issued fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for an amount equal to the administrative costs associated with issuing a license as determined by the department. Administrative costs do not include agent fees. To qualify, the member of the Armed Forces of the United States must show proof that that member's home of record, as recorded in that person's service records, is Maine. That person may purchase all other licenses or permits at resident fees. The license is valid during the year of issue. That person's spouse and children may purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses at reduced rates. The reduced fees are as follows: A. Twenty dollars, plus the issuing fee for a combination fishing and hunting license; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Ten dollars, plus the issuing fee for a hunting license; [PL 2013, c. 408, §7 (AMD).] C. Ten dollars, plus the issuing fee for a fishing license; and [PL 2013, c. 408, §7 (AMD).] D. Ten dollars, plus the issuing fee for a trapping license. [PL 2013, c. 408, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 164, §4 (AMD).]

7. Patients and inmates in certain state institutions. The commissioner may issue free fishing permits covering: A. Clients of the Department of Health and Human Services who reside in licensed facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities or autism or licensed facilities for the treatment of mental illness; [PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §7 (AMD).] B. Groups of full-time patients at a nursing home, as defined in Title 22, section 1812‑A ; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Groups of full-time residents of a facility licensed under Title 22, chapter 1663 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §7 (AMD).]

8. Members of federally recognized Indian nation, band or tribe. The commissioner shall issue a hunting, trapping and fishing license, including an archery hunting license under this chapter, and including all permits, stamps and other permission needed to hunt, trap and fish, to 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 that is valid for the life of that person without any charge or fee pursuant to section 11109 , if the person presents certification from the appropriate reservation chief or governor or the Mi'kmaq Nation Tribal Council stating that the person described is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian nation, band or tribe listed in this subsection. Holders of these licenses are subject to this Part, including, but not limited to, a lottery or drawing system for issuing a particular license or permit. Members of a federally recognized Indian nation, band or tribe listed in this subsection are exempt from the trapper education program required for a license under section 12201 , the bear trapping education course required by section 12260‑A, subsection 4 and the archery hunter education course under section 11106 . A license holder under this subsection who qualifies to hunt during the expanded archery season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit and one either-sex permit. [PL 2025, c. 333, §4 (AMD).]

9. Foreign exchange students. A resident license to hunt or fish must be issued, at a fee equal to the resident license fee for a person of like age and status, to any citizen of a foreign nation under 21 years of age who is domiciled with a family within the State pursuant to any cultural or educational exchange program conducted by any governmental, educational, cultural or religious organization. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

10. Persons with developmental disabilities. A complimentary license to fish must be issued to any person with a developmental disability, as defined in Title 5, section 19503, subsection 3 , upon application to the commissioner when that application is accompanied by a statement signed by the person's physician that states that the applicant's functional limitations substantially limit that person's ability to fish independently. This complimentary license remains effective for the life of the license holder, if the license is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2011, c. 355, §1 (AMD).]

11. Permits to accommodate permanent physical disabilities. The commissioner may issue a special permit to a person with a permanent physical disability that includes special authorization that allows that person to hunt, trap or fish at times or in a manner otherwise prohibited by this Part in order to enhance access to hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities. No laws or rules may be waived except as are necessary to effect this subsection. A permit may be issued under this subsection only if: A. The applicant provides the commissioner with a letter signed by a licensed physician clearly stating the nature of that person's disability, the permanence of the disability and the extent to which the disability affects that person's ambulatory ability or endurance; use of one or both hands, arms or legs; or sight or hearing; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The commissioner determines that the permanent physical disability prevents that person from safely accessing hunting, trapping or fishing opportunities at the times or in the manner allowed by this Part or by rules adopted pursuant to this Part; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The person meets all other requirements for issuance of that permit and related licensing requirements and is not otherwise ineligible for that permit. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Each applicant's disability and needs must be reviewed by the department and a determination made regarding the special authorization that may be made to enhance the applicant's access to fishing, hunting and trapping opportunities. A permit issued under this subsection must be signed by the commissioner and include a clear and specific description of the activities authorized by that permit. The person with a disability shall carry the permit whenever that person is hunting, trapping or fishing, and the permit must be presented to a game warden or other law enforcement officer upon request. No laws or rules may be waived except as are necessary to effect this subsection. The commissioner may authorize only the minimum special exceptions necessary to overcome the applicant's disability and allow that applicant to safely hunt, trap or fish. This does not authorize the commissioner to issue special exceptions that endanger public safety. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize a person to exceed the allowable bag or size limits for any fish or wildlife species; to fish for or take a fish or wildlife species for which a license is not otherwise issued; to fish for, trap or hunt a fish or wildlife species more than 7 days before the opening or more than 7 days after the closing of the regular open season for that species; or to fish, trap or hunt in any area permanently closed to those activities by state law or rule. [PL 2015, c. 301, §6 (AMD).]

12. Persons with acquired brain injury. A complimentary license to fish must be issued to any person with a head injury, as defined by Title 22, section 3086 , upon application to the commissioner. This complimentary license remains effective for the life of the license holder if the license is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §93 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

13. Certain veterans. [PL 2009, c. 440, §2 (AMD); MRSA T. 12 §10853, sub-§13 (RP).]

14. Game warden killed in line of duty. A complimentary license to hunt, trap and fish, including permits, stamps and other permissions needed to hunt, may be issued, upon application, to the spouse or child of a game warden who has been killed in the line of duty. These licenses must be issued in accordance with criteria established by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and the Maine Law Enforcement Officer Memorial board, upon confirmation by the Game Warden Colonel that the applicant is qualified for such a license. [PL 2007, c. 651, §11 (AMD).]

15. Assisting a person with disabilities. The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license under subsection 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 10 or 12 to have a person accompany and assist that licensee in fishing. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license as provided in this subsection may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. This subsection does not authorize the person accompanying and assisting the licensee to assist that licensee with more than one fishing rod and reel. The person accompanying and assisting the licensee must remain within the immediate proximity of the licensee while that licensee is fishing. [PL 2011, c. 355, §2 (NEW).]

16. Resident 16 or 17 years of age in custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. A complimentary license to fish may be issued to any resident 16 or 17 years of age who is in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services under Title 19‑A, chapter 55 and Title 22, chapter 1071 , upon application to the commissioner. This complimentary license remains valid for the duration of the Department of Health and Human Services' custody of the resident, if the license is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2013, c. 93, §1 (NEW).]

17. Group fishing license for persons with disabilities. In addition to other licenses issued by the commissioner pursuant to this section, the commissioner may issue a complimentary group fishing license to a person or entity that allows a group of persons with disabilities to fish in a location for a period of time as specified on the license. [PL 2017, c. 72, §1 (NEW).]

18. Gold star family registration plate holder. A complimentary license to hunt, trap and fish, including permits, stamps and other permissions needed to hunt, may be issued, upon application, to a resident who is the holder of a registration certificate and a set of gold star family registration plates pursuant to Title 29‑A, section 524‑B . A permit or license issued to a person under this subsection remains valid for the life of the person, as long as the person continues to remain a resident of this State and the permit or license issued under this subsection is not revoked or suspended. [PL 2019, c. 443, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12604 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12604
12 §12604. Closed season violation
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not fish for any fish during the closed season or possess any fish taken during the closed season on that fish. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 4812-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 7 / Chapter 424 / Section 4812-C
12 §4812-C. Code enforcement officers (REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 441)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED TO TITLE 38, SECTION 441)
12 M.R.S. § 12612 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12612
12 §12612. Parent or guardian; violation by minor
Status: in_force

A person violates this section if that person is the adult supervisor, parent or guardian of a minor under 16 years of age and that minor violates any provision of this Part pertaining to fishing. [PL 2009, c. 69, §5 (NEW).]

1. Civil violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2009, c. 69, §5 (NEW).]

2. Class E crime. A person who violates this section after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2009, c. 69, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10757 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 913 / Section 10757
12 §10757. Fraudulently obtaining or possessing license, permit or registration
Status: in_force

A person may not obtain or possess a paper or electronic license, permit or registration authorized in this Part through fraud, misstatement or misrepresentation. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2019, c. 452, §7 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10253 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10253
12 §10253. Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established. The fund receives money deposited by the Treasurer of State pursuant to section 10255 and Title 36, section 5284 , revenues generated in accordance with this section and any money contributed voluntarily to the fund. All money deposited in the fund and the earnings on that money remain in the fund to be used for the management of nongame wildlife and for necessary administrative and personnel costs associated with the management of nongame wildlife and may not be deposited in the General Fund or any other fund, except as specifically provided by law. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Report and allocation. The commissioner shall include a report on the fund as part of the report submitted to the Governor pursuant to section 10103 . This report must also be submitted to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over fisheries and wildlife matters. The commissioner shall submit a budget for each biennium in accordance with Title 5, sections 1663 to 1666 . The State Controller shall authorize expenditures from the fund as allocated by the Legislature. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Grants. Any person, organization or agency of the State may apply to the department for a grant to undertake research and nongame wildlife management activities. The department may award grants out of the fund. For the purposes of this section, "nongame wildlife" includes all unconfined terrestrial, freshwater and saltwater species that are not ordinarily collected, captured or killed for sport or profit. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fundraising. The commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent may provide for the creation, reproduction, sale, licensing, distribution and other disposal of any art or products for the purpose of generating revenues for the management of the State's nongame wildlife. All money generated from the sale of these items must be deposited in the fund. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. WE CARE support program. [PL 2025, c. 283, §1 (RP).]

6. Make Change for Wildlife program. The Make Change for Wildlife program is established to encourage voluntary support for the fund from businesses that collect voluntary customer contributions at the point of sale. Businesses shall deposit contributions collected under this subsection with the Treasurer of State and designate those contributions for deposit in the fund. The Treasurer of State shall credit all contributions to the fund and all money generated pursuant to this subsection must be used only for the purposes described in subsection 1 . [PL 2025, c. 283, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11217 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11217
12 §11217. Buying and selling wild animals and wild birds
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition against buying and selling bear, deer, moose or wild turkey. Except as provided in subsection 2 , a person may not: A. Buy, sell or offer for sale or barter a: (1) Bear; (2) Deer; (3) Moose; or (4) Wild turkey; or [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §150 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Aid in buying, selling or offering for sale or bartering a: (1) Bear; (2) Deer; (3) Moose; or (4) Wild turkey. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §150 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §150 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §150 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Exception. This subsection provides for exceptions to the prohibitions against the purchase, sale, offer for sale or barter of wild animals and wild birds under this section. A. A person who has lawfully killed or trapped and registered a bear may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, teeth, claws not attached to the paws, fat not attached to the meat and gallbladder of that animal. [PL 2021, c. 54, §7 (AMD).] B. A person who has lawfully killed and registered a deer may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, antlers and feet of that animal. [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (RPR).] C. A person may sell the head, hide, feet and antlers of a domesticated deer and the meat of a domesticated deer for use as food only in accordance with Title 7, chapter 202 . [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (RPR).] D. A person who has lawfully killed and registered a moose may sell, without a hide dealer's license, only the hide, head, bones, antlers and feet of that animal. [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (RPR).] E. A person may buy or sell, without a hide dealer's license, naturally shed antlers from deer or moose. [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (NEW).] F. A person may buy or sell, without a taxidermy license or a hide dealer's license, legally obtained finished wildlife products, excluding federally protected wild animals and wild birds except in accordance with federal law. [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (NEW).] G. A person may buy, without a hide dealer's license, for that person's personal use and not for resale, only the teeth, claws not attached to paws, fat not attached to the meat, skull or head and hide of a bear; only the bones, feet and hide of a moose; the skull or head of a deer or moose, excluding antlers; and all other parts of wild animals and wild birds not prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under subsections 1 and 3 . [PL 2021, c. 54, §7 (AMD).] H. A person who possesses a valid hide dealer's license may lawfully buy, sell, barter and trade for profit the parts of wild animals under paragraphs A , B and D , lawfully obtained raw, untanned animal hides and any parts of wild animals and wild birds not prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under subsections 1 and 3 . [PL 2013, c. 333, §4 (NEW).] I. A person who has lawfully killed and registered a wild turkey may sell the plumage, wing bones, beard and lower legs of that animal. [PL 2021, c. 184, §6 (NEW).] Parts permitted to be bought or sold under this subsection may not be attached to any other parts of the wild animals or wild birds that are prohibited from being bought, sold, offered for sale or bartered under subsections 1 and 3 . Bear gallbladders and raw, unfinished deer and moose antlers must be tagged or accompanied with documentation containing the name and address of the person who lawfully killed the animal. As used in this subsection, "hide dealer's license" means a license issued pursuant to section 12954 . [PL 2021, c. 54, §7 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 184, §6 (AMD).]

3. Prohibition regarding selling of wild birds. A person may not sell or possess for sale a wild bird, except as provided in this Part. A person may sell the plumage of lawfully taken wild birds if that sale does not violate regulations of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3-A. Prohibition on selling live wildlife. A person may not sell any live wildlife unless authorized pursuant to section 12152 and the commissioner's rules related to the unrestricted species list or as otherwise provided in this Part. [PL 2021, c. 184, §7 (NEW).]

4. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 days for the first offense, none of which may be suspended, and not less than 20 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. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11352 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11352
12 §11352. Bear tags and tagging bear
Status: in_force

1. Bear tags. The commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of and produce a bear tag. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §165 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Tagging. Prior to presenting a bear for registration, a person may not possess or leave in the field or forest a bear killed by that person unless the bear has securely attached to it a plainly visible tag that conforms to the requirements established under this section. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §165 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §165 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §165 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §165 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12306 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 919 / Section 12306
12 §12306. Possessing unregistered bear, deer, moose or wild turkey
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. Except as provided in section 12307 , a person may not possess any of the following animals if that animal has not been legally registered as provided in this chapter or rules adopted under section 12301‑B , unless that animal is possessed in accordance with chapter 921 : A. Bear; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Deer; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Moose; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Wild turkey. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 704, §6 (AMD).]

2. Penalties. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §235 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §236 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8101 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 803 / Section 8101
12 §8101. Forest Health and Monitoring program
Status: in_force

1. Powers and duties. The Director of the Bureau of Forestry shall maintain sufficient resources, both personnel and technical information, within the limit of funds available, in order to: A. Maintain a statewide surveillance system to detect and monitor insects, diseases and abiotic agents, including air pollution and acid deposition potentially injurious to the forest resources of the State; [PL 1987, c. 183, §1 (AMD).] B. Provide information and technical advice and assistance to individuals and other state and federal agencies on the identification and control of forest insects and diseases; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] C. Conduct and supervise control programs for forest diseases and insects where authorized; [PL 1987, c. 183, §1 (AMD).] D. Assist in the enforcement of federal and state quarantine laws relating to forest insects and diseases; [PL 1987, c. 183, §1 (AMD).] E. Conduct applied research related to the management of insects, diseases and abiotic agents potentially injurious to the forest resources of the State, including forest management strategies, insecticide and spray application technologies, integrated pest management techniques and other issues pertinent to the purposes of this chapter. The director shall maintain up-to-date information on the injurious impacts of insects, diseases and abiotic agents, including air pollution and acid deposition on the forests of the State; and [PL 1987, c. 183, §1 (NEW).] F. Consult and cooperate with other agencies of the United States, other state governments, the federal and provincial governments of Canada and public and private landowners in the State on applied research, survey and management of forest pest problems. [PL 1987, c. 183, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 790, Pt. A, §18 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 9206 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9206
12 §9206. Reports and payrolls
Status: in_force

Town forest fire wardens and state forest rangers shall promptly prepare a report of their investigation of the cause, extent and damage on all forest fires in their charge. They shall prepare an exact and detailed statement of expenses incurred therein immediately after total extinguishment of the forest fire on forms provided by the director. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

Statements of expenses shall have proper payroll receipts and vouchers. Forest fire suppression costs qualifying for town and state payment are labor, transportation, food, fire department equipment from outside the affected town, privately owned equipment and other costs approved by the state forest ranger in charge. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

All requests for the state 1/2 reimbursement shall be presented to the director within 60 days after total extinguishment of the forest fire or become void. The director may extend the time provided a preliminary report has been made. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

The director shall examine all forest fire suppression bills rendered by the town to the State for reimbursement or direct payment. After items not qualifying have been deducted, the director shall approve them for payment. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]