reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
7 ME Rev Stat § 441-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §441-B. Federal-State Inspection Fund

 §441-B. Federal-State Inspection Fund There is established the Federal-State Inspection Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund." The fund receives all revenues collected by the Federal-State Inspection Service from conducting inspections and inspection-related work including but not limited to inspection fees, fees from state and federal agencies and grants or other funds received by the Federal-State Inspection Service in support of operating a statewide inspection program. All money collected must be deposited in the fund to be used for the management and operation of the Federal-State Inspection Service. Unexpended balances in the fund do not lapse and must be carried forward to be used for the purposes specified in this section.   [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. OO, §1 (NEW).]Any interest earned on the revenue deposited in the fund only accrues to the fund.   [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. MM, §1 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 24, §OO1 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 395, §D1 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 643, §MM1 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 442 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §442. Hearings

 §442. Hearings The commissioner may establish and promulgate official grades and standards for farm products, excepting dairy products produced within the State for the purposes of sale, and may from time to time amend or modify such grades and standards. Before establishing, amending or modifying any such grades or standards, the said commissioner shall hold public hearings in such places within the State as shall be most convenient to producers of the commodity under consideration. Notice of such hearings shall be provided in the manner specified in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act and shall further be provided in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the county where the hearing is to be held.   [PL 1977, c. 694, §47 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 694, §47 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 443 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §443. Brands, labels and trademarks; revocation

 §443. Brands, labels and trademarks; revocation The commissioner may determine or design brands, labels or trademarks for identifying farm products, sardines and, subject to the additional conditions of this section, other natural resource products and commodities, packed in accordance with such official grades and standards established as provided by law and may furnish information to packers and shippers as to where those labels and trademarks may be obtained. A written application to the commissioner requesting permission to use brands, labels or trademarks, and a written acceptance by the commissioner or duly authorized assistants, shall be a condition precedent to the use of those brands, labels or trademarks. The right to use those brands, labels or trademarks may be suspended or revoked in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, whenever it appears on investigation that they have been used to identify farm products, sardines or other natural resource products and commodities not in fact conforming to the grade indicated.   [PL 1989, c. 670, §1 (AMD).]1.  Nonagricultural products.  Before any natural resource product or commodity that is not a farm product is eligible to use a brand, label or trademark designed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, a commissioner of any other department with regulatory authority, marketing or promotion responsibility or other authority for that product or commodity shall determine whether the use of the brand, label or trademark is in the best interests of packers and shippers of the product or commodity and shall request that the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry permit the use of the brand, label or trademark in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. Grades and standards may be established by reference to marketing orders or to federal or state laws and regulations. Grades and standards may also be established through joint rulemaking by the appropriate department and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.   [PL 1989, c. 670, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 6 (REV).] 2.  Marine resource products.  All marine resource products, as defined in Title 12, section 6001, except sardines, are excluded from the provisions of this subchapter except when the Commissioner of Marine Resources finds that a resource and its related industry would benefit by participation.   [PL 1989, c. 670, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 694, §48 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 670, §1 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 6 (REV).
7 ME Rev Stat § 443-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §443-A. Native produce

 §443-A. Native produce 1.  Prohibition.  Farm produce sold or offered for sale within the State may not be labeled or advertised as "native," "native-grown," "locally grown" or by a similar designation, unless that product was actually grown in the State.   [PL 1995, c. 294, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Penalty.  Violation of subsection 1 is a civil violation punishable by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $300.   [PL 1995, c. 294, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Burden of proof.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §9 (RP).] 4.  Enforcement.  This section is enforced by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.   [PL 1995, c. 294, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] 5.  Enforcement; prima facie evidence.  The commissioner or an agent of the commissioner may request proof of the origin of farm produce for the purpose of enforcing this section. Failure to provide written documentation or other reasonable proof upon request as to the origin of the produce offered for sale is prima facie evidence that a person is in violation of this section.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §10 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1979, c. 184 (NEW). PL 1979, c. 731, §19 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 294, §1 (RPR). PL 2005, c. 512, §§9,10 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
7 ME Rev Stat § 443-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §443-B. Certification trademark for Maine products

 §443-B. Certification trademark for Maine products 1.  Registration of trademark.  The Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall, before December 31, 1988, apply to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for registration for a certification trademark or trademarks consisting of a seal in the form of the outline of the State, the word "Maine" and any other appropriate identifying words. Any certification trademark obtained may only be used on farm products or other natural resource products and commodities, as provided in section 443, produced within the State. Any certification trademark obtained may be registered with the State in accordance with Title 10, chapter 301-A.   [PL 1989, c. 670, §2 (AMD).] 2.  Origin of product.  For purposes of this section, the commissioner shall define, by rule, for each commodity group, the meaning of the term "produced within the State" and the minimum percent of the content of any package that must have actually been produced within the State to meet the requirements for use of any mark under this section.   The commissioner shall grant a waiver to the minimum content criteria when emergency market conditions arise which are abnormal to the historic flow of a specific commodity, with the degree of the waiver to be determined by the commissioner. The commissioner shall determine what constitutes an emergency condition.   [PL 1987, c. 844, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Quality grades and standards.  Any product bearing a certification trademark obtained under this section shall meet the official grades and standards established in accordance with section 443 for that commodity.   [PL 1989, c. 670, §2 (AMD).] 4.  Promotion.  The commissioner shall contract for services to promote the use of the proposed state trademark.   [PL 1987, c. 844, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 844, §1 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 670, §2 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 444 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §444. Publicity

 §444. Publicity Upon the establishment of the grades or standards, brands, labels or trademarks, the commissioner shall give due publicity through the newspapers of the State, setting forth the grade or grades so established and the date on which such establishment is to become effective, and distribute information explaining the same and their use.
7 ME Rev Stat § 445 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §445. Permits

 §445. Permits 1.  Violation.  After notice of the establishment of grades or standards and the determination of brands, labels or trademarks, a person may not use a brand, label or trademark to identify farm products and sardines as being of a grade established before a permit is granted or after the revocation of the right to use such brand, label or trademark by the commissioner.   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (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 more than $50 may be adjudged.   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]B. A person who violates subsection 1 after having previously violated subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $200 may be adjudged.   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).][PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 696, §57 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 452, §B1 (RPR). PL 2003, c. 452, §X2 (AFF).
7 ME Rev Stat § 446 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §446. Inspections

 §446. Inspections The commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized agents may inspect any fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs, farm products, livestock or other commodities that are marked, branded or labeled in accordance with official grades or standards established and adopted by the commissioner for the purpose of determining and certifying the quality and condition thereof and other material facts relative thereto. Certificates issued in pursuance of that inspection and executed by the inspector must state the date and place of inspection, the grade, condition and approximate quality of the fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs, farm products, livestock or other commodities inspected and such other pertinent facts as the commissioner may require. Such a certificate relative to the condition or quality of the farm products is prima facie evidence in all courts of the State of the facts required to be stated in the certificate.   [PL 2003, c. 386, §1 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1979, c. 672, §A17 (RPR). PL 2003, c. 386, §1 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 447 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §447. Access for inspection purposes

 §447. Access for inspection purposes The commissioner, in person or by deputy, has free access at all reasonable hours to any building or other place wherein it is reasonably believed that farm products are marked, branded or labeled in accordance with official grades established and promulgated by the commissioner or are being marketed or held for commercial purposes. The commissioner has power in person or by deputy to open any bags, crates or other containers containing such farm products and examine the contents thereof and may, upon tendering the market price, take samples therefrom. Whoever obstructs or hinders the commissioner or any of the commissioner's duly qualified assistants in the performance of the commissioner's duties under this subchapter commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $100 must be adjudged.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §69 (COR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 696, §58 (AMD). RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §69 (COR).
7 ME Rev Stat § 448 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2: GRADES AND STANDARDS FOR FARM PRODUCTS|7 §448. Quality assurance

 §448. Quality assurance The commissioner shall, in conjunction with the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, the Cooperative Extension Service and other public or private agencies, maintain a program of quality assurance by the diligent enforcement of all provisions of this Part which pertain to grading, labeling, licensing and advertising of agricultural products, and by providing direct and indirect assistance to the industry in the adoption of those new technologies and methods of production which will improve the quality of Maine agricultural products.   [PL 1983, c. 563, §4 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 563, §4 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 451 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §451. Purpose

 §451. Purpose The Legislature finds that agricultural production has a substantial and unique effect on the economy and way of life of the entire State. Large numbers of the people in the State are directly or indirectly dependent on agricultural production and related industries. It is of vital importance that producers be assured of payment for their production in order to assure commensurate stability in the productive capacity and economy. To a great extent the well-being of the industry is dependent upon those persons engaged in the buying and marketing of the agricultural commodities grown by others and the manner in which their services are performed. The entire manner of marketing of our agricultural production requires special consideration.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]The Legislature intends through this legislation to exercise the police power of the State in order to protect and promote the general welfare of the agricultural producers and the people of the State and maintain and encourage fair and equitable practices in the purchase, handling and sale of agricultural commodities, which will, in turn, have the beneficial effect of improving the economy and well-being of the entire State.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 453 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §453. Rules and regulations

 §453. Rules and regulations The commissioner may, in a manner consistent with Title 5, chapter 375, adopt rules for carrying out this subchapter and establishing a list of commodities for which a person must have a license under section 454 to act as an agent, broker, dealer or processor.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §12 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 512, §12 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 454 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §454. Licensing required

 §454. Licensing required A person may not act as agent, broker, dealer or processor unless duly licensed as provided in this subchapter. Before acting as a dealer, processor, broker or agent, a person shall file an application with the commissioner for a license to transact the business of a dealer, processor, broker or agent and the application must be accompanied by the license fee provided in this subchapter.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §13 (AMD).]A person may not buy, solicit or negotiate the sale of any licensed commodity in this State as a representative of any agent, broker, dealer or processor unless that person has been authorized as a representative by a licensee in writing, and a copy of the authorization is filed with the commissioner, except when the person conducts business in the office of the licensee. A licensee shall notify the commissioner in writing immediately upon terminating the authorization for a person to act as that licensee's representative.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §13 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 512, §13 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 456 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §456. Complaints; investigation; hearings

 §456. Complaints; investigation; hearings The commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized agent may investigate, upon the complaint of any interested person, or on the commissioner's or the agent's own motion, the conduct and activities of any person applying for or holding a license under this subchapter and, for that purpose, may examine the books and papers of any applicant or licensee and may require testimony and affidavits thereon under oath. The commissioner may, in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, conduct such hearings as the commissioner considers necessary pursuant to this subchapter. The commissioner has full power to subpoena such witnesses and documents as the commissioner considers necessary.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §73 (COR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §73 (COR).
7 ME Rev Stat § 458 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §458. Exemptions

 §458. Exemptions 1.  Producers.  Producers are exempt from this subchapter when selling licensed commodities which they have grown, which they are presently growing or which they intend to grow.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).] 2.  Other persons.  The commissioner, by rule, may provide an exemption from this subchapter for persons who deal in quantities of licensed commodities sufficiently small so as to not require the imposition of the standards of financial responsibility established by this subchapter.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).] 3.  Retailers.  A retailer who sells licensed commodities to consumers is exempt from this subchapter with respect to those sales.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §14 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 512, §14 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 459 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §459. Forfeiture of bond; recovery on bond

 §459. Forfeiture of bond; recovery on bond If a licensee fails to make payment as provided in section 457, subsection 1, paragraph B, that licensee by reason of the nonpayment is in default as to all producers or licensees whose accounts then remain unpaid and the bond provided for must be forfeited to the extent of all sums then due from the licensee to the producers or licensees. Whenever the commissioner determines that a licensee has failed to make payment, the commissioner shall provide notice, in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, that payment under the bond will be sought and indicating the time within which other producer or licensee claims may be made known to the commissioner. Upon determination of the commissioner that there has been a default in payment by a licensee, the conditions of the bond are deemed to be broken and the commissioner may bring action on the defaulted bond for the benefit of producers or licensees. Whenever the amount of the bond is not sufficient to cover all valid claims, the commissioner shall distribute the amount available on a pro rata basis.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §15 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 512, §15 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 460 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-A: LICENSING OF DEALERS IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES|7 §460. Violations

 §460. Violations Any person who commits any of the actions specified in section 457, except in section 457, subsection 1, paragraph B, or otherwise fails, neglects or refuses to comply with the provisions of this subchapter or any rule promulgated hereunder is subject to the following civil penalties payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action:   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]1.  First violation.  For the first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000; and   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).] 2.  Subsequent violation.  For each subsequent violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $3,000.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).] The commissioner may recover the penalties imposed for violations in a civil action brought in the commissioner's own name and, if the commissioner prevails in that action, the commissioner may recover full costs. The District Court and the Superior Court have concurrent jurisdiction of the actions. The Attorney General and the several district attorneys shall provide assistance to the commissioner.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §77 (COR).]All penalties received under this subchapter shall be paid to the Treasurer of State for deposit in the General Fund.   [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW). RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §77 (COR).
7 ME Rev Stat § 471 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 2-B: STATE-GROWN PRODUCE PROGRAM|7 §471. Farmers' Market Program (REPEALED)

 §471. Farmers' Market Program (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1993, c. 58, §1 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 689, §B7 (REV). PL 2005, c. 382, §C4 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 614, §5 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 481 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 3: ADULTERATED OR MISBRANDED GOODS|7 §481. Definitions (REPEALED)

 §481. Definitions (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 2005, c. 512, §16 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 482 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Subchapter 3: ADULTERATED OR MISBRANDED GOODS|7 §482. Manufacture and sale prohibited

 §482. Manufacture and sale prohibited A person may not manufacture, sell, distribute, transport, offer or expose for sale, distribution or transportation any article of commercial feeding stuff, commercial fertilizer or food that is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of this chapter or chapter 103.   [PL 2005, c. 512, §17 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2005, c. 512, §17 (AMD).