pem207/maine-bills huggingface dataset:
An Act To Protect Small Woodland Owners
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0736
Committee Amendment CA_A_H577 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to H.P. 557, L.D. 736, Bill, "An Act To 
Protect Small Woodland Owners" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'An Act To Require Notification before Withdrawal of Land from 
Classification under the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law for Failure To File 
Certain Statements' 
Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the 
following: 
'Mandate preamble. This measure requires one or more local units of government 
to expand or modify activities so as to necessitate additional expenditures from local 
revenues but does not provide funding for at least 90% of those expenditures. Pursuant to 
the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 21, 2/3 of all of the members elected to 
each House have determined it necessary to enact this measure.' 
Amend the bill in section 1 by striking out all of the first paragraph (page 1, lines 4 to 
in L.D.) and inserting the following: 
'If the assessor determines that land subject to this subchapter no longer meets the 
requirements of this subchapter, the assessor must withdraw the parcel from taxation 
under this subchapter. Before withdrawing a parcel from taxation under this subchapter, 
if the sole reason the land does not meet the requirements of this subchapter is that the 
owner failed to file the sworn statement required under section 574-B, subsection I, the 
assessor shall provide the owner with written notice by regular mail of the deadline to file 
the sworn statement and permit the owner at least 60 days to respond to that notice. The 
owner of land subject to this subchapter may at any time request withdrawal of any 
parcel, or portion thereof, from taxation under this subchapter by certifying to the 
assessor that the land is no longer to be classified under this subchapter.' 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ·A .. to H.P. 557, L.D. 736 
SUMMARY 
This amendment clarifies that before withdrawing land from classification under the 
Maine Tree Growth Tax Law the local tax assessor must have provided notice to the 
owner of the deadline for filing required statements and allowed the landowner 60 days to 
respond to the notice. The amendment also adds a mandate preamble. 
FISCAL :\OTE J{l::QLlRED 
(See attached) 
I 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 06/12/07 
;:b/CZC! 
LD736 
LR 1459(02) 
An Act To Protect Small Woodland Owners 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "A " 
Committee: Taxation 
State Mandates 
Required Activity 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
State Mandate - Exempted 
Administrative activities associated with requiring a notice by regular mail for 
certain residents enrolled in the tree growth program. Pursuant to the Mandate 
Preamble, the 2/3s vote of all members of each House exempts the State from the 
constitutional requirement to fund 90% of the additional local costs. 
LR1459(02) - Fiscal Note - Page I of 1 
Unit Affected 
Municipality 
Costs 
Significant
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0737
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: WATSON, MARTIN, CARTER, FLOOD, JOY, PRA IT, SA VIELLO, SMITH
Amends: 36 MRSA §5219-C

Legislative Document 
No. 737 
H.P.558 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative WATSON of Bath. 
Cosponsored by Senator MARTIN of Aroostook and 
!Jl~ 
/J7.1lldC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CARTER of Bethel, FLOOD of Winthrop, JOY of Crystal, PRA IT of 
Eddington, SA VIELLO of Wilton, SMITH of Monmouth. 
Printed on ree) dell paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §5219-C, as repealed and replaced by PL 1991, c. 377, §20, is 
amended to read: 
§5219-C. Forest management planning income credits 
Once every 10 years, an individual is allowed a credit against the tax otherwise due 
under th is Part for the lesser of ~ 
$400 eF and the individual's cost for having a forest 
management and harvest plan developed for a parcel of forest land greater than I 0 acres~ 
including the cost of obtaining independent 3rd-party certification and recertification by a 
licensed professional forester. 
For purposes of this section, the licensed professional 
forester may not be in the regular employ of the individual. In no case may this credit 
II 
reduce the state income tax to less than zero. Those taxpayers claiming this credit must 
attach a statement from the forester supporting the claim and swear that the credit has not 
been claimed by them in the previous 10 years. Those taxpayers deducting the cost of the 
forester as an expense under the Internal Revenue Code must reduce the expense by the 
amount of the credit. This credit may be used in any tax year beginning on or after 
January 1. 1989. 
SUMMARY 
This bill increases the tax credit for forest management planning from a maximum of 
$200 every 10 years to a maximum of $400 every 10 years. This bill also includes the 
cost of obtaining independent 3rd-party certification and recertification of the forest land 
from a licensed professional forester as an expense that may be applied towards the 
credit. 
Page I - 123LRI4S8(OI)-1
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0737
Committee Amendment CA_B_H634 (House)
Amends: 36 MRSA §5219-C

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,,(3 " to H.P. 558, L.D. 737, Bill, "An Act To 
Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the 
summary and inserting the following: 
l3 
'Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §5219-C, as amended by PL 2007, c. 437, §18 and affected by 
§22, is further amended to read: 
§5219-C. Forest management planning income credits 
Once every 10 years, an An individual is allowed a credit against the tax otherwise 
due under this Part for the lesser of $200 or $400 and the individual's cost for having a 
forest management and harvest plan developed or having an independent 3rd-party 
certification, as defined in Title 12, section 8012, subsection 3, or recertification for a 
parcel of forest land in this State greater than 10 acres. For purposes of this section, the 
licensed professional forester may not be in the regular employ of the individual. This 
credit may not reduce the state income tax to less than zero. An individual claiming this 
credit must attach a statement from the forester or certifying entity supporting the claim 
and sV/ear that the credit has not been provide a sworn statement indicating the amount of 
any credits under this section claimed by the individual in the previous 10 years. An 
individual who deducts the cost of the forester as an expense under the Internal Revenue 
Code must subtract the expense from federal adjusted gross income for purposes of the 
tax imposed by this Part. This credit may be used in any tax year beginning on or after 
JanHaI)' 1, 1989. The total amount of credits provided under this section is limited to 
$400 per individual during any 10-year period. 
Sec. 2. Application. This Act applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 
2008.' 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,,/J " 
to H.P. 558, L.D. 737 
SUMMARY 
This amendment clarifies the expansion in the bill of the credit to the cost of 3rd-
party certification and recertification and provides that the total amount of credits claimed 
by an individual in any 1 O-year period may not exceed $400. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Net Cost (Savings) 
General Fund 
... evenue 
General Fund 
Approved: 11128/07 
~ae 
LD737 
LR 1458(04) 
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 'B " 
Committee: Taxation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
2007-08 
$0 
2008-09 
$57,113 
Projections 
2009-10 
$48,130 
Projections 
2010-11 
$50,623 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
$0 
$0 
($57,113) 
($3,069) 
($48,130) 
($2,640) 
($50,623) 
($2,777) 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Increasing the income tax credit for forest management planning will reduce income tax collections by $60,182 in 
fiscal year 2008-09, resulting in a General Fund revenue loss of$57, 113. 
LR14S8(04) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0737
Committee Amendment CA_A_H585 (House)
Amends: 36 MRSA §5219-C

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,~ " to H.P. 558, L.D. 737, Bill, "An Act To 
Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the 
summary and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §5219-C, as repealed and replaced by PL 1991, c. 377, §20, is 
amended to read: 
§5219-C. Forest management planning income credits 
aRee e'lef)' 10 years, an An individual is allowed a credit against the tax otherwise 
due under this Part for the lesser of $200 or $400 and the individual's cost for having a 
forest management and harvest plan developed or for having an independent 3rd-party 
certification, as defined in Title 12, section 8012, subsection 3, or recertification for a 
parcel of forest land greater than 10 acres. For purposes of this section, the licensed 
professional forester may not be in the regular employ of the individual. In no case may 
this credit reduce the state income tax to less than zero. Those taxpayers claiming this 
credit must attach a statement from the forester or certifying entity supporting the claim 
and swear that the ereait has Rot beeR provide a sworn statement indicating the amount of 
any credits under this section claimed by them in the previous 10 years. Those taxpayers 
deducting the cost of the forester as an expense under the Internal Revenue Code must 
reduce the expense by the amount of the credit. This ",red it may be used iR a~' tax year 
begiRRiRg OR or after Januaf)' 1, 1989. The total amount of credits provided under this 
section is limited to $400 per individual during any IO-year period. 
Sec. 2. Application. This Act applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 
2008.' 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A " 
to H.P. 558, L.D. 737 
~", 
SUMMARY 
This amendment clarifies the expansion in the bilI of the credit to the cost of 3rd-
party certification and recertification and provides that the total amount of credits claimed 
by an individual in any lO-year period may not exceed $400. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 06113/07 ?,dac:.. 
Net Cost (Savings) 
General Fund 
1evenue 
General Fund 
LD737 
LR 1458(02) 
An Act To Promote Forest Management Planning and Certification 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment .. ~ 
.. 
Committee: Taxation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
2007-08 
$11,294 
2008-09 
$45,759 
Projections 
2009-10 
$48,130 
Other Special Revenue Funds 
($11,294) 
($619) 
($45,759) 
($2,510) 
($48,130) 
($2,640) 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Projections 
2010-11 
$50,623 
($50,623) 
($2,777) 
Increasing the income tax credit for fo/est management planning will reduce income tax collections by $11,913 in 
fiscal year 2007-08 and $48,269 in fiscal year 2008-09, resulting in a General Fund revenue loss of$11,294 and 
$45,759 respectively. 
LRI458(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of I 
.,'
An Act To Assist Communities Affected by Base Closures
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0738
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: GERZOFSKY, EDMONDS, BERUBE, GROSE, PERCY, PRESCOTT, PRIEST, RINES, VAUGHAN, WATSON

Legislative Document 
No. 738 
H.P.559 
House of Representatives, February 13, 2007 
An Act To Assist Communities Affected by Base Closures 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative GERZOFSKY of Brunswick. 
Cosponsored by President EDMONDS of Cumberland and 
'17/~ 1/7. 7lltU~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BERUBE of Lisbon, GROSE of Woolwich, PERCY of Phippsburg, 
PRESCOTT of Topsham, PRIEST of Brunswick, RINES of Wiscasset, VAUGHAN of 
Durham, WATSON of Bath. 
Printed on recyc led paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
CONCEPT DRAFT 
SUMMARY 
This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. 
This bill proposes to relax restrictions on the creation of new state tax increment 
financing districts to allow a municipality that has lost a military base to establish a tax 
increment financing district. 
Page I - 123LRI455(OI)-1
Resolve, Directing the Department of Administrative and Fmancial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services To Study and Develop a Tax Increment Financing Program To Fund the Washington County Development Authority
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0739
Committee Amendment CA_A_H523 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT " ~" to H.P. 560, L.D. 739, "Resolve, Directing the 
Department of Administrative and Fmancial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services To 
Study and Develop a Tax Increment Financing Program To Fund the Washington County 
Development Authority" 
Amend the resolve by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, Directing the Department of Economic and Community 
Development To Review and Report on Whether a State Tax Increment 
Financing Structure Should Be Established To Support Economic 
Development in Washington County' 
Amend the resolve by striking out everything after the title and before the summary 
and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. Department of Economic and Community Development study. 
Resolved: 
That the Department of Economic and Community Development shall 
review the state tax increment financing mechanism established in the Maine Revised 
Statutes, Title 30-A, chapter 206, subchapter 2 to determine whether a similar mechanism 
to share state revenues from new economic activity in Washington County with the 
Washington County Development Authority would be an effective method of providing 
economic development assistance to Washington County. The Department of Economic 
and Community Development shall work with the Department of Administrative and 
Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services and other interested parties to analyze 
the fiscal impact of such a system on state revenues and on economic development in 
Washington County and report the results of its review to the Joint Standing Committee 
on Taxation by November 1, 2007. The Joint Standing Committee on Taxation may 
submit to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature a bill related to the report.' 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT"~" to H.P. 560, L.D. 739 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the study in the bill with a review analyzing a state tax 
increment financing mechanism for Washington County and changes the department 
conducting the review to the Department of Economic and Community Development. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 06/05/07 Mac:.. 
LD739 
LR 284(02) 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue 
Services To Study and Develop a Tax Increment Financing Program To Fund the Washington County 
Fiscal Detail ~nd Notes 
Development Authority 
I 1\ I 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "tt" 
Committee: Taxation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Additional costs to the Department of Economic and Community Development to conduct the required review and 
submit the required report can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. Maine Revenue Services will incur 
some minor General Fund costs to assist with the study. 
LR0284(02) - Fiscal Note - Page I of I
Resolve, Directing the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services To Study and Develop a Tax Increment Financing Program To Fund the Washington County Development Authority
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0739
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: PERRY, RA YE, EMERY, TIBBETTS

Legislative Document 
No. 739 
H.P.560 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Administrative and Financial 
Services, Bureau of Revenue Services To Study and Develop a Tax 
Increment Financing Program To Fund the Washington County 
Development Authority 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative PERRY of Calais. 
Cosponsored by Senator RA YE of Washington and 
'7J1~ 1/1. 7lldC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: EMERY of Cutler, McFADDEN of Dennysville, TIBBETTS of Columbia. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Sec. 1. 
The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, 
Bureau of Revenue Services authorized to study a tax increment financing 
program for Washington County. Resolved: That the Director of the Bureau of 
Revenue Services within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services shaH 
conduct a study to develop a tax increment financing proposal that will support the 
Washington County Development Authority's economic development programs and 
projects; and be it further 
Sec. 2. 
Reporting date established. Resolved: 
That the Department of 
Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services shall report its 
findings, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature and the Joint Standing 
Committee on Taxation by February 1,2008. The Joint Standing Committee on Taxation 
is authorized to report out legislation that supports the Washington County Development 
Authority's economic development programs to the Second Regular Session of the l23rd 
Legislature. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve requires the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, 
Bureau of Revenue Services to conduct a study to develop a tax increment financing 
proposal that will support the Washington County Development Authority's economic 
development programs and to report its findings, along with proposed legislation, to the 
Legislature and the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation by February 1,2008. 
Page I - 123LR0284(Ol)-1
An Act To Promote the Safety of Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Drivers
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0740
Committee Amendment CA_A_H98 (House)
Amends: 29-A MRSA §1404-A

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" fJ " to H.P. 561, L.D. 740, Bill, "An Act To 
Promote the Safety of Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Drivers" 
Amend the bill by striking out all of section 1 and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1404-A is enacted to read: 
§1404-A. License sticker; dear or hard-or-hearing designation 
The Secretary of State shall, at the request of a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, 
issue a sticker to that person to place in a location designated by the Secretary of State on 
the back of the person's driver's license to indicate that the person is deaf or hard-of-
hearing. The Secretary of State may require appropriate documentation that a person is 
deaf or hard-of-hearing before issuing the sticker. For purposes of this section, the terms 
"deaf person" and "hard-of-hearing person" have the same meanings as in section 1358, 
subsection I. 
Sec. 2. Sticker design. The Secretary of State shall design the sticker required 
under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 1404-A in consultation with 
representatives of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the bill. The amendment requires the Secretary of State, at 
the request of a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, to issue a sticker to that person to 
place in a location designated by the Secretary of State on the back of the person's 
driver's license to indicate that the person is deaf or hard-of-hearing. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 04111/07 ;:!;?ac:.. 
LD740 
LR 2316(02) 
An Act To Promote the Safety of Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Drivers 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment" A " 
Committee: Transportation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - Highway Fund 
LR2316(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act To Promote the Safety of Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Drivers
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0740
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: GROSE, NUTTING, BRYANT, CAMPBELL, GERZOFSKY, MILLER, MUSE, PRIEST, WEBSTER
Amends: 29-A MRSA §1404

Legislative Document 
No. 740 
H.P.561 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Promote the Safety of Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Drivers 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative GROSE of Woolwich. 
Cosponsored by Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin and 
7J/~m.17!dC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BRYANT of Windham, CAMPBELL of Newfield, GERZOFSKY of 
Brunswick, MILLER of Somerville, MUSE of Fryeburg, PRIEST of Brunswick, W ALCOTI 
of Lewiston, WEBSTER of Freeport. 
Printt:d on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1404, as amended by PL 2005, c. 606, Pt. B, §4, is further 
amended to read: 
§1404. Coded licenses 
The Secretary of State shall provide that a license issued to: 
1. Under 21. A person less than 21 years of age bears a distinctive color code; ftfld 
2. 
Prior convictions. 
A person convicted of operating under the influence of 
intoxicating liquor or drugs or with an excessive blood-alcohol level, as defined in section 
2453, subsection 2, within 10 years of the date the license is issued, reissued or returned 
after a period of suspension bears a coded notation of that fact. 
II 
The Secretary of State may, at the request of a licensee, remove the coded notation from 
the license of a person convicted for a first operating-under-the-influence offense as 
defined in section 2453, subsection 2 after 6 years from the date of the conviction if the 
person has not been convicted or adjudicated of the offense of speeding more than 15 
miles per hour over the maximum speed limit or any offense described under section 
2551-A, subsection I, paragraph A or had a license suspended or revoked within that 6-
year period.,. ; and 
3. 
Dear and hard-or-hearing. A person who has provided documentation to the 
Secretary of State from a physician that the person is deaf or hard-of-hearing bears a 
coded notation of that fact. 
SUMMARY 
This bill requires the Secretary of State, for a person who has documentation from a 
physician that the person is deaf or hard-of-hearing, to place a coded notation of that fact 
on that person's license. 
Page I - 123.LR2316(OI)-1
An Act Regarding When an Overweight Truck May Be Required To Unload
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0741
Committee Amendment CA_A_H126 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ·A" to H.P. 562, L.D. 741, Bill, "An Act 
Regarding When an Overweight Truck May Be Required To Unload" 
Amend the bill by incorporating the attached fiscal note. 
SUMMARY 
This amendment incorporates a fiscal note. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 04118/07 
~ae 
LD 741 
LR 936(02) 
An Act Regarding When an Overweight Truck May Be Required To Unload 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "A " 
Committee: Transportation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Potential current biennium cost increase - Highway Fund 
Allowing certain overweight trucks to operate for a limited period of time is likely to result in increased wear and 
damage to state roads, thereby increasing maintenance and repair costs incurred by the Department of Transportation. 
The increased costs to the Highway Fund will depend on the circumstances of each authorized incident and can not bt 
determined at this time. 
LR0936(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1
An Act Regarding When an Overweight Truck May Be Required To Unload
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0741
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: JACKSON, BRYANT, BROWNE, HOGAN, MARTIN, SHERMAN
Amends: 29-A MRSA §2358

Legislative Document 
No. 741 
H.P.562 
House of Representatives, February 13, 2007 
An Act Regarding When an Overweight Truck May Be Required To 
Unload 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative JACKSON of Allagash. 
Cosponsored by Senator BRYANT of Oxford and 
1J1~ 
1/7. 7l/t1C~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BROWNE of Vassalboro, HOGAN of Old Orchard Beach, Senators: 
MARTIN of Aroostook, SHERMAN of Aroostook. 
PrinteLi (lll rt'l yl.: letl paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2358, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. S, §5, is amended to read: 
6. 
Unloading excess. 
When an officer determines that a vehicle exceeds the 
permitted weight, the officer must require the operator to stop the vehicle in a designated 
place. 
The vehicle may not proceed until the operator has reduced the weight to permitted 
limits; except that if the excess weight does not exceed 2,000 pounds or an officer 
determines that a combination vehicle consisting of a 3-axle truck tractor with a tri-axle 
semitrailer exceeds the permitted gross vehicle weight allowed under section 2354 by 
10% or less, an officer may permit the vehicle to proceed without unloading. The officer 
may summons the owner or driver of that vehicle. 
An officer, the State or a political subdivision is not responsible for loss {)f damage to a 
vehicle or its contents as a result of unloading. 
SUMMARY 
The bill allows a state police officer to permit an overweight combination vehicle 
consisting of a 3-axle truck tractor with a tri-axle semitrailer to proceed without 
unloading if the vehicle does not exceed by more than 10% the gross vehicle weight 
allowed in law. 
Page I - 123LR0936(Ol)-1 
•
An Act To Expand the Maine Economic Improvement Fund
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0745
Committee: Appropriations and Financial Affairs
Sponsors: CAIN, TURNER, DUNN, FAIRCLOTH, RECTOR, SMITH, STRANG BURGESS, BROMLEY, SCHNEIDER

Legislative Document 
No. 745 
H.P.566 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Expand the Maine Economic Improvement Fund 
Reference to the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
Presented by Representative CAIN of Orono. 
Cosponsored by Senator TURNER of Cumberland and 
!rl~ 
frJ· 7!/tJ£~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: DUNN of Bangor, FAIRCLOTH of Bangor, RECTOR of Thomaston, 
SMITH of Monmouth, STRANG BURGESS of Cumberland, Senators: BROMLEY of 
Cumberland, SCHNEIDER of Penobscot. 
Prinred Oil n ( ;.relet! paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and 
allocations are made. 
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE 
Maine Economic Improvement Fund 0986 
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds to the University of Maine System to increase the 
amount of funding available for research and development in the Maine Economic 
Improvement Fund. 
GENERAL FUND 
All Other 
GENERAL FUND TOTAL 
2007 -08 
2008-09 
$10,000,000 
$10,000,000 
$10,000,000 
$10,000,000 
SUMMARY 
This bill makes ongoing General Fund appropriations of $10,000,000 per year 
beginning in fiscal year 2007-08 to the University of Maine System to increase the 
amount of funding available for research and development in the Maine Economic 
Improvement Fund. 
Page I - lBLRI716(0l)-1
An Act Concerning Wholesale Power Purchases by Consumer-owned Transmission and Distribution Utilities
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0742
Committee: Utilities and Energy
Sponsors: FLETCHER, SHERMAN, JOY
Amends: 35-A MRSA §3202

Legislative Document 
No. 742 
H.P.563 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act Concerning Wholesale Power Purchases by Consumer-
owned Transmission and Distribution Utilities 
Reference to the Committee on Utilities and Energy suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative FLETCHER of Winslow. 
Cosponsored by Senator SHERMAN of Aroostook and 
Representative: JOY of Crystal. 
Printed on recycled paper 
7Jf~ 
/J7.7J?dC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3202, sub-§l, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 316, §3, IS 
amended to read: 
1. Right to purchase generation. Beginning on March 1, 2000, all consumers of 
electricity have the right to purchase generation services directly from competitive 
electricity providers, except as provided in subsection 7. 
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §3202, sub-§7 is enacted to read: 
7. 
Certain consumer-owned utility customers excepted. 
A customer of a 
consumer-owned transmission and distribution utility does not have the right to purchase 
generation services directly from a competitive electricity provider when the consumer-
owned transmission and distribution utility has entered into a wholesale power purchase 
contract or a standard-offer service contract that guarantees that its entire load will be 
served by the wholesale electricity provider or standard-offer provider. A customer of a 
consumer-owned transmission and distribution utility that is obligated by the terms of a 
retail supply contract with a competitive electricity provider, other than the standard 
offer, on the effective date of the wholesale power purchase contract or the standard-offer 
service contract entered into by the consumer-owned transmission and distribution utility 
maintains the right to purchase generation services under the terms of a retail supply 
contract until the customer is no longer bound by the terms of the retail supply contract. 
SUMMARY 
This bill creates an exemption from the requirement that all customers of electricity 
have the right to purchase generation services directly from competitive electricity 
providers for customers of consumer-owned transmission and distribution utilities that 
choose to enter into wholesale power purchase contracts or standard-offer service 
contracts on behalf of all their customers, except customers who entered into separate 
retail power purchase contracts before the effective date of the wholesale power purchase 
contract. 
Page I -123LR1768(OI)-1
An Act To Stabilize and Expand Funding for the Graduate School of Biomedical Science at the University of Maine
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0744
Committee: Appropriations and Financial Affairs
Sponsors: CAIN, BROMLEY, DUNN, FAIRCLOTH, RECTOR, SMITH, STRANG BURGESS, SCHNEIDER, TURNER

Legislative Document 
No. 744 
H.P.565 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Stabilize and Expand Funding for the Graduate School 
of Biomedical Science at the University of Maine 
Reference to the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
Presented by Representative CAIN of Orono. 
Cosponsored by Senator BROMLEY of Cumberland and 
If/~ 
/J7.17bc~ 
MILLICENTM. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: DUNN of Bangor, FAIRCLOTH of Bangor, RECTOR of Thomaston, 
SMITH of Monmouth, STRANG BURGESS of Cumberland, Senators: SCHNEIDER of 
Penobscot, TURNER of Cumberland. 
Prmleu nn recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. 
The following appropriations and 
allocations are made. 
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE 
Educational and General Activities - UMS 0031 
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds to the University of Maine System to stabilize and 
expand the Graduate School of Biomedical Science through the formation of a 
partnership with the University of New England to collaborate on a school of pharmacy. 
GENERAL FUND 
All Other 
GENERAL FUND TOTAL 
SUMMARY 
2007-08 
$4,000,000 
$4,000,000 
2008-09 
$4,000,000 
$4,000,000 
This bill makes ongoing General Fund appropriations of $4,000,000 per year 
beginning in fiscal year 2007-08 to the University of Maine System to stabilize and 
expand the Graduate School of Biomedical Science through the formation of a 
partnership with the University of New England to collaborate on a school of pharmacy.
An Act To Expand the Recycling of Beverage Containers
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0748
Committee: Business, Research and Economic Development
Sponsors: NORTON, FINCH
Amends: 32 MRSA §1863-A

Legislative Document 
No. 748 
H.P.569 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Expand the Recycling of Beverage Containers 
Reference to the Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development suggested 
and ordered printed. 
!Jl~ 
frl.7Ibc~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative NORTON of Bangor. (BY REQUEST) 
Cosponsored by Representative: FINCH of Fairfield. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §I863-A, sub-§l, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 819, §3, IS 
amended to read: 
1. Refillable containers. For refillable beverage containers, except wine and spirits 
containers, the manufacturer shall determine the deposit and refund value according to 
the type, kind and size of the beverage container. The deposit and refund value may not 
be less than ~ lQ!.. 
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §I863-A, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 819, §3, is 
amended to read: 
2. Nonrefillable containers; exclusive distributorships. For nonrefillable beverage 
containers, except wine and spirits containers, sold through geographically exclusive 
distributorships, the distributor shall determine and initiate the deposit and refund value 
according to the type, kind and size of the beverage container. The deposit and refund 
value HH:tSt may not be less than ~ l..Qt. 
Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §1863-A, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 819, §3, IS 
amended to read: 
3. 
Nonrefillable containers; nonexclusive distributorships. 
For nonrefillable 
beverage containers, except wine and spirits containers, not sold through geographically 
exclusive distributorships, the deposit and refund value may not be less than ~ 
l..Qt. 
Sec. 4. 32 MRSA §I865, sub-§2, as repealed and replaced by PL 1991, c. 819, 
§5, is amended to read: 
2. Brand name. Refillable glass beverage containers of carbonated beverages, for 
which the deposit is initiated under section I 863-A, subsection I, that have a refund value 
of not less than ~ ~ 
and a brand name permanently marked on the container are not 
required to comply with subsection I. The exception provided by this subsection does 
not apply to glass beverage containers that contain spirits, wine or malt liquor as those 
terms are defined by Title 28-A, section 2. 
SUMMARY 
This bill increases the bottle deposit on beverage containers, except wine and spirits 
containers, from 5¢ to 10¢.
An Act To Dedicate Unclaimed Beverage Deposits to Beverage Container Recycling Development
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0749
Committee: Business, Research and Economic Development
Sponsors: NORTON
Amends: 32 MRSA §1866-E

Legislative Document 
No. 749 
H.P.570 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Dedicate Unclaimed Beverage Deposits to Beverage 
Container Recycling Development 
Reference to the Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development suggested 
and ordered printed. 
'17/~ /J7. 7lld£~ 
MILLICENTM. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative NORTON of Bangor. (BY REQUEST) 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §1866-E, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2003, c. 700, §2 and as 
affected by §6, is further amended to read: 
4. Transfer of abandoned deposit amounts. By the 20th day of each month, an 
initiator shall tum over to the State Tax Assessor the initiator's abandoned deposit 
amounts determined pursuant to subsection 3. Those amounts may be paid from the 
deposit transaction fund. Amounts collected by the assessor pursuant to this subsection 
must be treated by the assessor as a tax, as that term is defined by Title 36, section Ill, 
subsection 5, and 112 of these amounts must be deposited in the General Fund and 1/2 of 
these amounts must be deposited in a dedicated account in the Department of Agriculture, 
Food and Rural Resources for research and development of beverage container recycling. 
SUMMARY 
This bill provides that 1/2 of the amount of unclaimed beverage container deposits 
must be deposited in a dedicated account in the Department of Agriculture for the 
research and development of beverage container recycling.
An Act To Streamline Licensure for Sign Language Interpreters
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0752
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: NORTON, SILSBY

Legislative Document 
No. 752 
H.P.573 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Streamline Licensure for Sign Language Interpreters 
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
Presented by Representative NORTON of Bangor. 
Cosponsored by Representative: SILSBY of Augusta. 
Printed on recycled paper 
'/il~ 1I7.1Jloc~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
CONCEPT DRAFT 
SUMMARY 
This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. 
This bill proposes to streamline the licensure procedure for sign language 
interpreters. 
Specifically, this bill would amend the laws regarding educational 
requirements for license renewals for sign language interpreters and would address 
conflicts between those statutory requirements and the practice by schools of hiring 
unlicensed interpreters to work with students.
An Act To Improve the Ability of Superintendents To Act in the Best Interests of Students
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0757
Committee: Labor
Sponsors: TUTTLE, CUMMINGS, FARRINGTON, FINCH, HARLOW, MAKAS, NORTON, SUTHERLAND

Legislative Document 
No. 757 
H.P.578 
House of Representatives, February 13, 2007 
An Act To Improve the Ability of Superintendents To Act in the 
Best Interests of Students 
Reference to the Committee on Labor suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative TUTTLE of Sanford. 
17/~ 
frl.1J?i1C~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Cosponsored by Representatives: Speaker CUMMINGS of Portland, FARRINGTON of 
Gorham, FINCH of Fairfield, HARLOW of Portland, MAKAS of Lewiston, NORTON of 
Bangor, SUTHERLAND of Chapman. 
Printed on recyded paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
CONCEPT DRAFT 
SUMMARY 
This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. 
The purpose of this bill is to provide consistency in the process of reaching 
superintendents' agreements and to eliminate the process whereby employment contracts 
can override local superintendents' decisions.
An Act To Enhance and Clarify the Small Claims System
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0756
Committee: Judiciary
Sponsors: THERIAULT, MARTIN, DILL
Amends: 14 MRSA §7484-A

Legislative Document 
No. 756 
H.P.577 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Enhance and Clarify the Small Claims System 
Reference to the Committee on Judiciary suggested and ordered printed. 
'17/~ /J7.1J?dC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative THERIAULT of Madawaska. (BY REQUEST) 
Cosponsored by Senator MARTIN of Aroostook and 
Representative: DILL of Cape Elizabeth. 
Pnnted on recydeJ paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 14 MRSA §7484-A, sub-§3 is enacted to read: 
3. RecordinK; waiver of fees. Rules adopted under this section must require the 
electronic recording of all hearings under this chapter. 
Notwithstanding any law, rule or order, if the court determines that a party may proceed 
in forma pauperis, the court may not require that a transcript or copy of a record be 
submitted by that party in any related proceeding or appeal unless the court has waived 
payment of any necessary fees. 
SUMMARY 
This bill makes changes in the small claims procedures. First, it requires the court to 
record all small claims hearings. Second, it prohibits the court from requiring that a 
transcript or record be submitted in any related proceeding or appeal if the party was 
given leave to proceed in forma pauperis unless the court has waived the fees related to 
the preparation of the transcript or record. 
Page I - 123LR1323(OI)-1
An Act To Allow Early Retirement for Captains in the Maine State Ferry Service
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0763
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: PINGREE, DAMON, SAVAGE
Amends: 5 MRSA §17851

Legislative Document 
No. 763 
H.P.584 
House of Representatives, February l3, 2007 
An Act To Allow Early Retirement for Captains in the Maine State 
Ferry Service 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative PINGREE of North Haven. 
Cosponsored by Senator DAMON of Hancock and 
Senator: SAVAGE of Knox. 
Printed on recycled paper 
~~ 
frl.7IldC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §17851, sub-§16 is enacted to read: 
16. State ferry captains. A captain in the Maine State Ferry Service who has 20 
years of creditable service in the Maine State Ferry Service qualifies for a service 
retirement benefit. 
SUMMARY 
This bill allows captains in the Maine State Ferry Service to qualify for service 
retirement benefits after 20 years of creditable service for the Maine State Ferry Service. 
•
An Act To Clarify Standards for Issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0764
Committee: Utilities and Energy
Sponsors: BARTLETT, BLANCHARD, BRAUTIGAM, FLETCHER
Amends: 12 MRSA §1862

Legislative Document 
No. 764 
H.P.585 
House of Representatives, February 13,2007 
An Act To Clarify Standards for Issuance of a Certificate of Public 
Convenience and Necessity 
Reference to the Committee on Utilities and Energy suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representati ve FAIRCLOTH of Bangor. 
Cosponsored by Senator BARTLETT of Cumberland and 
/Jf~ 
frl.1J7tlC~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BLANCHARD of Old Town, BRAUTIGAM of Falmouth, FLETCHER of 
Winslow. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §1862, sub-§13 is enacted to read: 
13. Large-scale projects for electric transmission lines. The director may not 
grant a lease for a large-scale project for electric transmission lines unless the Public 
Utilities Commission has determined that the transmission lines operating at more than 
kilovolts will reduce the cost of electricity to state consumers. 
Sec. 2. 35-A MRS A §3132, sub-§2-B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 506, § 13, is 
amended to read: 
2-D. Standards for certain projects. The commission may deny a certificate of 
public convenience and necessity for a transmission line capable of operating at 69 
kilovolts or more that is proposed to be financed, permitted, constructed, owned in whole 
or in part or operated by the Northern Maine Transmission Corporation pursuant to Title 
10, chapter 1003 or financed by the Finance Authority of Maine pursuant to Title 10, 
section 1053, subsection 6, paragraph F upon a finding that the line is reasonably likely to 
adversely affect any transmission and distribution utility or its customers. 
The 
commission shall deny a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a 
transmission line capable of operating at more than 138 kilovolts that is proposed to 
occupy the submerged lands of the State unless the commission finds that the proposed 
transmission line will reduce the cost of electricity to state consumers. 
SUMMARY 
This bill prohibits large-scale projects for electronic transmission lines operating at 
more than 138 kilovolts unless it is determined by the Public Utilities Commission that 
the line will reduce the cost of electricity to state consumers.
An Act To Permit Operation of a Modified Show Vehicle on a Public Way
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0766
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: SNOWE-MELLO, BROWNE, CEBRA, HOGAN, ROSEN
Amends: 29-A MRSA §1752

Legislative Document 
No. 766 
S.P.233 
February 13,2007 
An Act To Permit Operation of a Modified Show Vehicle on a Public 
Way 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Senator SNOWE-MELLO of Androscoggin. 
JOY J. O'BRIEN 
Secretary of the Senate 
Cosponsored by Senator: SA V AGE of Knox, Representatives: BROWNE of Vassalboro, 
CEBRA of Naples, HOGAN of Old Orchard Beach, ROSEN of Bucksport. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRS A §lOl, sub-§35-A, ·as enacted by PL 2001, c. 225, §1, is 
amended to read: 
35-A. Modified show vehicle. "Modified show vehicle" means a factory-produced 
wheel drive motor vehicle manufactured after 1949 that is equipped with modified 
components and that qualifies as a modified show vehicle under rules adopted by the 
Chief of the State Police. 
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §l02, sub-§3 is enacted to read: 
3. Modified show vehicle. A modified show vehicle may be operated on a public 
way for the purpose of participating in a modified show vehicle event, off-road 
competition or racing event. The Chief of the State Police shall adopt rules to allow the 
operation of a modified show vehicle on a public way. Rules adopted pursuant to this 
subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §1752, sub-§lO, as amended by PL 2003, c. 397, §7, is 
further amended to read: 
10. Experimental motor vehicle. A vehicle registered as an experimental motor 
vehicle pursuant to section 470. An experimental motor vehicle must meet minimum 
equipment standards pursuant to section 470, subsection 2; aR4 
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §1752, sub-§l1, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 397, §8, IS 
amended to read: 
11. Low-speed vehicle. A low-speed vehicle registered pursuant to section 501, 
subsection 11. A low-speed vehicle must be equipped in accordance with section 1925~ ~ 
and 
Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §1752, sub-§12 is enacted to read: 
12. Modified show vehicle. 
A modified show vehicle that has a partial annual 
inspection consisting of the running gear, steering mechanism, brakes, exhaust system 
and lights; safety glass under section 1915; and tires under section 1917, subsection 3. 
SUMMARY 
The bill directs the Chief of the State Police to adopt major substantive rules to allow 
the operation of a modified show vehicle on a public way for the purposes of 
participating in a modified show vehicle event, off-road competition or racing event. The 
bill also provides for a limited inspection of a modified show vehicle. 
Page I - 123LR0742(OI)-1