Resolve, To Allow the Issuance of Open Burn Permits through Private Online Services (AFTER DEADLINE)
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 1640
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: SAVIELLO, MASON

Legislative Document
No. 1640
S.P. 590
In Senate, June 15, 2017
Resolve, To Allow the Issuance of Open Burn Permits through 
Private Online Services
(AFTER DEADLINE)
(EMERGENCY)
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
205.
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed.
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator SAVIELLO of Franklin.
Cosponsored by Senator: MASON of Androscoggin.
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, under current law, anyone performing out-of-door burning, including 
burning for agricultural purposes and of brush, leaves, wood waste and grass fields, is 
required to obtain a permit from the town forest fire warden or from the forest ranger 
having jurisdiction over the location where the fire is to be set; and 
Whereas, until recently, as a convenience to the residents of the State, burn permits 
were available online and for free through a 3rd-party provider; and 
Whereas, due to a change in interpretation of policy by the Commissioner of 
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, residents of the State are no longer able to get 
free online burn permits; and 
Whereas, the burn permits issued online by the Department of Agriculture, 
Conservation and Forestry carry a cost of $7 per permit; and 
Whereas, in order to restore to the residents of the State the convenience of 
obtaining burn permits online and for no charge, it is necessary that this legislation take 
effect as soon as possible; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it 
Sec. 1.  Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of 
Forestry to allow municipalities to purchase burn permit software. Resolved:  
That the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Forestry shall 
allow municipalities to purchase and use burn permit software sold from a private party to 
issue burn permits pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 9325 if all 
statutory requirements of issuing burn permits are met by the software. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, 
Bureau of Forestry to allow municipalities to purchase and use burn permit software from 
a private party to issue burn permits online if all statutory requirements of issuing burn 
permits are met by the software. 
Approved: 06/14/17
LD     
LR 2392(01)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Fiscal Note
Minor revenue decrease - General Fund
Allowing municipalities to use third party software to issue burn permits will result in fewer permits issued by the 
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, reducing General Fund revenue by a minor amount.
Resolve, To Allow the Issuance of Open Burn Permits through Private Online Services
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Sponsor: Sen. Saviello of Franklin
Committee: Not Referred
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
LR2392(01) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1