reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1404 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 4: RIGHTS OF 3RD PARTIES|11 §9-1404. Rights acquired by assignee; claims and defenses against assignee

 §9-1404. Rights acquired by assignee; claims and defenses against assignee (1).  Unless an account debtor has made an enforceable agreement not to assert defenses or claims, and subject to subsections (2) through (5), the rights of an assignee are subject to:   (a). All terms of the agreement between the account debtor and assignor and any defense or claim in recoupment arising from the transaction that gave rise to the contract; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Any other defense or claim of the account debtor against the assignor that accrues before the account debtor receives a notification of the assignment authenticated by the assignor or the assignee.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  Subject to subsection (3) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (4), the claim of an account debtor against an assignor may be asserted against an assignee under subsection (1) only to reduce the amount the account debtor owes.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  This section is subject to law other than this Article that establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (4).  In a consumer transaction, if a record evidences the account debtor's obligation, law other than this Article requires that the record include a statement to the effect that the account debtor's recovery against an assignee with respect to claims and defenses against the assignor may not exceed amounts paid by the account debtor under the record, and the record does not include such a statement, the extent to which a claim of an account debtor against the assignor may be asserted against an assignee is determined as if the record included such a statement.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (5).  This section does not apply to an assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1405 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 4: RIGHTS OF 3RD PARTIES|11 §9-1405. Modification of assigned contract

 §9-1405. Modification of assigned contract (1).  A modification of or substitution for an assigned contract is effective against an assignee if made in good faith. The assignee acquires corresponding rights under the modified or substituted contract. The assignment may provide that the modification or substitution is a breach of contract by the assignor. This subsection is subject to subsections (2) through (4).   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).   Subsection (1) applies to the extent that:   (a). The right to payment or a part thereof under an assigned contract has not been fully earned by performance; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). The right to payment or a part thereof has been fully earned by performance and the account debtor has not received notification of the assignment under section 9-1406, subsection (1).   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  This section is subject to law other than this Article that establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (4).  This section does not apply to an assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1407 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 4: RIGHTS OF 3RD PARTIES|11 §9-1407. Restrictions on creation or enforcement of security interest in leasehold interest or in lessor's residual interest

 §9-1407. Restrictions on creation or enforcement of security interest in leasehold interest or in lessor's residual interest (1).  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2), a term in a lease agreement is ineffective to the extent that it:   (a). Prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of a party to the lease to the assignment or transfer of, or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in an interest of a party under the lease contract or in the lessor's residual interest in the goods; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the lease.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  Except as otherwise provided in section 2-1303, subsection (7), a term described in subsection (1), paragraph (b) is effective to the extent that there is:   (a). A transfer by the lessee of the lessee's right of possession or use of the goods in violation of the term; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). A delegation of a material performance of either party to the lease contract in violation of the term.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  The creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in the lessor's interest under the lease contract or the lessor's residual interest in the goods is not a transfer that materially impairs the lessee's prospect of obtaining return performance or materially changes the duty of or materially increases the burden or risk imposed on the lessee within the purview of section 2-1303, subsection (4) unless, and then only to the extent that, enforcement actually results in a delegation of material performance of the lessor.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1409 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 4: RIGHTS OF 3RD PARTIES|11 §9-1409. Restrictions on assignment of letter-of-credit rights ineffective

 §9-1409. Restrictions on assignment of letter-of-credit rights ineffective (1).  A term in a letter of credit or a rule of law, statute, regulation, custom or practice applicable to the letter of credit that prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of an applicant, issuer or nominated person to a beneficiary's assignment of or creation of a security interest in a letter-of-credit right is ineffective to the extent that the term or rule of law, statute, regulation, custom or practice:   (a). Would impair the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the letter-of-credit right; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Provides that the assignment or the creation, attachment or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the letter-of-credit right.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  To the extent that a term in a letter of credit is ineffective under subsection (1) but would be effective under law other than this Article or a custom or practice applicable to the letter of credit, to the transfer of a right to draw or otherwise demand performance under the letter of credit or to the assignment of a right to proceeds of the letter of credit, the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the letter-of-credit right:   (a). Is not enforceable against the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Imposes no duties or obligations on the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](c). Does not require the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary to recognize the security interest, pay or render performance to the secured party or accept payment or other performance from the secured party.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1701 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1701. Effective date

 §9-1701. Effective date This Article takes effect on July 1, 2001.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1702 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1702. Savings clause

 §9-1702. Savings clause (1).  Except as otherwise provided in this part, this Article applies to a transaction or lien within its scope, even if the transaction or lien was entered into or created before this Article takes effect.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) and sections 9-1703 to 9-1709:   (a). Transactions and liens that were not governed by former Article 9, were validly entered into or created before this Article takes effect and would be subject to this Article if they had been entered into or created after this Article takes effect and the rights, duties and interests flowing from those transactions and liens remain valid after this Article takes effect; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). The transactions and liens may be terminated, completed, consummated and enforced as required or permitted by this Article or by the law that otherwise would apply if this Article had not taken effect.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 2001, c. 286, §14 (AMD).] (3).  This Article does not affect an action, case or proceeding commenced before this Article takes effect.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF). PL 2001, c. 286, §14 (AMD).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1703 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1703. Security interest perfected before effective date

 §9-1703. Security interest perfected before effective date (1).  A security interest that is enforceable immediately before this Article takes effect and would have priority over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time is a perfected security interest under this Article if, when this Article takes effect, the applicable requirements for enforceability and perfection under this Article are satisfied without further action.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  Except as otherwise provided in section 9-1705, if, immediately before this Article takes effect, a security interest is enforceable and would have priority over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time, but the applicable requirements for enforceability or perfection under this Article are not satisfied when this Article takes effect, the security interest:   (a). Is a perfected security interest for one year after this Article takes effect;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Remains enforceable thereafter only if the security interest becomes enforceable under section 9-1203 before the year expires; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](c). Remains perfected thereafter only if the applicable requirements for perfection under this Article are satisfied before the year expires.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1704 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1704. Security interest unperfected before effective date

 §9-1704. Security interest unperfected before effective date A security interest that is enforceable immediately before this Article takes effect but which would be subordinate to the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time:   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](1).  Remains an enforceable security interest for one year after this Article takes effect;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  Remains enforceable thereafter if the security interest becomes enforceable under section 9-1203 when this Article takes effect or within one year thereafter; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  Becomes perfected:   (a). Without further action, when this Article takes effect if the applicable requirements for perfection under this Article are satisfied before or at that time; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). When the applicable requirements for perfection are satisfied if the requirements are satisfied after that time.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1706 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1706. When initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement

 §9-1706. When initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement (1).  The filing of an initial financing statement in the office specified in section 9-1501 continues the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before this Article takes effect if:   (a). The filing of an initial financing statement in that office would be effective to perfect a security interest under this Article;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). The pre-effective-date financing statement was filed in an office in another state or another office in this State; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](c). The initial financing statement satisfies subsection (3).   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  The filing of an initial financing statement under subsection (1) continues the effectiveness of the pre-effective-date financing statement:   (a). If the initial financing statement is filed before this Article takes effect, for the period provided in former section 9-403 with respect to a financing statement; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). If the initial financing statement is filed after this Article takes effect, for the period provided in section 9-1515 with respect to an initial financing statement.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  To be effective for purposes of subsection (1), an initial financing statement must:   (a). Satisfy the requirements of Part 5 for an initial financing statement;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). Identify the pre-effective-date financing statement by indicating the office in which the financing statement was filed and providing the dates of filing and file numbers, if any, of the financing statement and of the most recent continuation statement filed with respect to the financing statement; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](c). Indicate that the pre-effective-date financing statement remains effective.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1707 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1707. Amendment of preeffective-date financing statement

 §9-1707. Amendment of preeffective-date financing statement (1).  In this section, "preeffective-date financing statement" means a financing statement filed before this Article takes effect.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  After this Article takes effect, a person may add or delete collateral covered by, continue or terminate the effectiveness of, or otherwise amend the information provided in, a preeffective-date financing statement only in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in Part 3. However, the effectiveness of a preeffective-date financing statement also may be terminated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the financing statement is filed.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (3).  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4), if the law of this State governs perfection of a security interest, the information in a preeffective-date financing statement may be amended after this Article takes effect only if:   (a). The preeffective-date financing statement and an amendment are filed in the office specified in section 9-1501;   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). An amendment is filed in the office specified in section 9-1501 concurrently with or after the filing in that office of an initial financing statement that satisfies section 9-1706, subsection (3); or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](c). An initial financing statement that provides the information as amended and satisfies section 9-1706, subsection (3) is filed in the office specified in section 9-1501.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (4).  If the law of this State governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a preeffective-date financing statement may be continued only under section 9-1705, subsections (4) and (6) or section 9-1706.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (5).  Whether or not the law of this State governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a preeffective-date financing statement filed in this State may be terminated after this Article takes effect by filing a termination statement in the office in which the preeffective-date financing statement is filed, unless an initial financing statement that satisfies section 9-1706, subsection (3) has been filed in the office specified by the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in Part 3 as the office in which to file a financing statement.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1708 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1708. Persons entitled to file initial financing statement or continuation statement

 §9-1708. Persons entitled to file initial financing statement or continuation statement A person may file an initial financing statement or a continuation statement under this part if:   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](1).  The secured party of record authorizes the filing; and   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  The filing is necessary under this part:   (a). To continue the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before this Article takes effect; or   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).](b). To perfect or continue the perfection of a security interest.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).][PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
11 ME Rev Stat § 9-1709 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE|Article 9-A: TRANSACTIONS|Part 7: TRANSITION|11 §9-1709. Priority

 §9-1709. Priority (1).  This Article determines the priority of conflicting claims to collateral. However, if the relative priorities of the claims were established before this Article takes effect, former Article 9 determines priority.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] (2).  For purposes of section 9-1322, subsection (1), the priority of a security interest that becomes enforceable under section 9-1203 of this Article dates from the time this Article takes effect if the security interest is perfected under this Article by the filing of a financing statement before this Article takes effect that would not have been effective to perfect the security interest under former Article 9. This subsection does not apply to conflicting security interests, each of which is perfected by the filing of such a financing statement.   [PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 699, Pt. A, §4 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 699, §A2 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 699, §A4 (AFF).
12 ME Rev Stat § 211 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 3: COOPERATIVE SOIL SURVEY|12 §211. Legislative findings

 §211. Legislative findings It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the state contribution to the Cooperative Soil Survey of the State of Maine. The Cooperative Soil Survey, conducted nationally by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, is the systematic inventory of the soils of the State. This basic soils data is of great value in the guidance of sound land use planning.   [PL 1969, c. 509, §1 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 509, §1 (NEW).