reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
12 ME Rev Stat § 6421-C (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 1: LICENSES|12 §6421-C. Application of student and noncommercial license age requirements

 §6421-C. Application of student and noncommercial license age requirements 1.  Student licenses.  Notwithstanding the age requirements of section 6421, subsection 3-A, paragraph E and section 6421, subsection 5-A, a person who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 may continue to be issued a student license until that person reaches 23 years of age. Notwithstanding the trap limits under section 6421, subsection 3-A, paragraph E, a person who is 8 years of age or older and who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 may not submerge at any one time more than 150 lobster traps in the coastal waters of the State. A person who holds a student license and is less than 8 years of age on October 31, 2003 may not at any one time submerge more than 10 traps in the coastal waters of the State and upon reaching 8 years of age is subject to the trap limits provided in section 6421, subsection 3-A, paragraph E. A person who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 must comply with the full-time student requirement of section 6421, subsection 5-A and the apprenticeship program and sponsor requirements of section 6421, subsection 3-A, paragraph E.   [PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).] 2.  Noncommercial licenses.  Notwithstanding the age requirements of section 6421, subsection 5-B, a person who holds a noncommercial license and is less than 8 years of age on October 31, 2003 may continue to be issued a noncommercial license subject to the examination and licensure requirements of section 6421, subsection 5-B.   [PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).] 3.  Violation.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.   [PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6422 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 1: LICENSES|12 §6422. Apprentice program

 §6422. Apprentice program 1.  Program established; experience component.  By July 1, 1996, the commissioner shall establish by rule an apprentice program for entry into the lobster fishery. The program must include practical lobster fishing experience. A person must be 8 years of age or older and hold an apprentice lobster and crab fishing license or a student lobster and crab fishing license under section 6421 to enter the program.   [PL 2003, c. 468, §6 (AMD).] 2.  Length of program.  The commissioner shall determine the length of time an apprentice is enrolled in the program, which must be a minimum of 2 years.   [PL 1995, c. 468, §4 (NEW).] 3.  Educational courses.  The program may include any educational courses the commissioner determines appropriate. Educational courses may be taught by the department or by any public or private sector association or organization authorized by the commissioner. For any course taught by the department, the commissioner shall set an enrollment fee sufficient to recover all costs incurred by the department in teaching the course.   [PL 1995, c. 468, §4 (NEW).] 4.  Allowance for waivers.   [PL 2011, c. 486, §2 (RP).] 5.  Prohibition.  Rules adopted under this section may not require a person who has registered to enter an established island limited-entry zone program as described under section 6449 to apprentice in the zone in which the island limited-entry zone program is located.   [PL 2015, c. 428, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 468, §4 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 568, §2 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 250, §§7,8 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 574, §§2,3 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 281, §1 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 490, §§2,3 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 468, §6 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 486, §2 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 428, §2 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6423 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 1: LICENSES|12 §6423. Lobster and crab fishing education program

 §6423. Lobster and crab fishing education program The commissioner shall establish an education program in accordance with this section for training applicants for noncommercial lobster and crab fishing licenses.   [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).]1.  Pamphlet.  The department shall issue a pamphlet of all the laws and rules relating to a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license to each applicant for a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license who has not successfully completed a written examination pursuant to subsection 2 or met the requirements of section 6421, subsection 5-B, paragraph B.   [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Examination.  A written examination is required for any person who applies for a noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license who has not successfully completed a written examination under this subsection or met the requirements of section 6421, subsection 5-B, paragraph B. The commissioner shall determine the form and content of the written examination. The written examination must be provided to an applicant with the pamphlet required under subsection 1. The applicant must return the completed written examination to the department and receive a passing grade on the written examination prior to receiving a noncommercial license.   [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).] 3.  Surcharge; credit to Lobster Management Fund.  The commissioner shall set a surcharge, not to exceed $15, sufficient to recover the costs incurred by the department in providing the program under this section. A person who successfully completes the program and pays the surcharge may not be charged the surcharge to renew the license. The commissioner may provide copies of the education materials developed under this section to an applicant for another lobster and crab fishing license upon receipt of the surcharge. Surcharges collected under this subsection must be credited to the Lobster Management Fund established in section 6431-C.   [PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2001, c. 581, §2 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-A. Trap limit

 §6431-A. Trap limit 1.  Limit.  Before March 1, 2000, the holder of a Class I, Class II or Class III license issued under section 6421 may not submerge more than 1,000 traps. After February 29, 2000, the holder of a Class I, Class II or Class III license or a nonresident lobster and crab landing permit issued under section 6421 may not submerge more than 800 traps. If a lower trap limit is adopted by rule for a zone pursuant to section 6446, a license holder who fishes in that zone may not submerge a number of traps that exceeds the lower limit.   The number of traps fished from a vessel may not exceed the applicable trap limit established in this subsection, regardless of the number of license holders fishing from that vessel.   [PL 2007, c. 201, §12 (AMD).] 2.  Trap limit exception.   [PL 1999, c. 187, §1 (RP).] 3.  Effective date.   [PL 1999, c. 187, §1 (RP).] 4.  Violation.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.   [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §22 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 468, §5 (NEW). PL 1997, c. 19, §1 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 187, §1 (RPR). PL 2001, c. 421, §B22 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 421, §C1 (AFF). PL 2007, c. 201, §12 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-B. Tag system

 §6431-B. Tag system 1.  Tag system established.  The commissioner shall establish by rule a lobster trap tag system under which lobster and crab fishing license holders and nonresident lobster and crab landing permit holders must purchase tags for the purpose of identifying and tracking traps. The rules must contain provisions for replacing lost tags. The commissioner may impose a per tag fee to cover the cost of trap tags, the costs of administering and enforcing a lobster trap tag system, the costs of management of the lobster fishery and the costs associated with lobster management policy councils and referenda pursuant to section 6447. Trap tag fees must be deposited in the Lobster Management Fund established under section 6431‑C. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.   [PL 2017, c. 197, §9 (NEW).] 2.  Penalties.  A person may not fish or have on board a vessel a lobster trap unless the lobster trap is tagged in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to subsection 1. A person who violates this subsection commits:   A. A civil violation for which a fine of $250 must be adjudged if the person fishes 25 or fewer traps that are not tagged in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to subsection 1; and   [PL 2017, c. 197, §9 (NEW).]B. A Class D crime if the person fishes more than 25 traps that are not tagged in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to subsection 1.   [PL 2017, c. 197, §9 (NEW).][PL 2021, c. 168, §5 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 468, §5 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 20, §WW3 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 201, §13 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 197, §9 (RPR). PL 2021, c. 168, §5 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-C (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-C. Lobster Management Fund

 §6431-C. Lobster Management Fund 1.  Lobster Management Fund.  The Lobster Management Fund is established as a dedicated nonlapsing fund. The fund is administered by the department.   [PL 1995, c. 468, §5 (NEW).] 2.  Purpose.  All money credited to the Lobster Management Fund must be used to cover the costs of trap tags and the administration and enforcement of a lobster trap tag system under section 6431-B, the costs of management of the lobster fishery, the costs associated with lobster management policy councils and referenda pursuant to section 6447, costs associated with the Lobster Advisory Council not supported by the General Fund, the costs associated with determining eligibility for lobster and crab fishing licenses and eligibility to fish for or take lobsters from a vessel and the costs associated with the provision of educational programs, for which a surcharge is collected from the enrollee, pursuant to section 6423.   [PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. WW, §4 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 468, §5 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 309, §1 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 93, §2 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 581, §3 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 20, §WW4 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-D (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-D. Boat trap limit (REPEALED)

 §6431-D. Boat trap limit (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 468, §5 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 568, §3 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 19, §2 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 19, §3 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 187, §2 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-F (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-F. Trap tags

 §6431-F. Trap tags 1.  Trap tag limits.  The following provisions govern trap tag limits.   A.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).]B. Each year, a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license holder may purchase a number of trap tags that is not greater than 100 more than the number the license holder purchased for the previous license year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1-A.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).][PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] 2.  Exceptions.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, the following trap tag limits apply:   A. If the license holder was issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license for the first time after meeting the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422, the license holder may not purchase more than 300 trap tags for the initial license year. For each following year, the license holder may purchase up to an increase of 100 trap tags each year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1-A; and   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).]B.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).]C. If the license holder was issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license on appeal, the license holder may purchase for the initial license year a number of trap tags up to the number of trap tags purchased by the person for the most recent year in which the person held a license. For each following year, the license holder may purchase up to an increase of 100 trap tags each year as long as the total number purchased does not exceed the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1-A.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).][PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] 3.  Appeal of trap tag denial.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).] 4.  Trap limit.  A person may not submerge a number of traps greater than the number of traps allowed under the lowest trap limit established by rule for the lobster management zones identified on that person's license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1-A.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] 5.  Repeal.   [PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (RP).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 397, §6 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 643, §§5,6 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 790, §A12 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 94, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 510, §A6 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 239, §2 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6431-G (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6431-G. Vessel operation

 §6431-G. Vessel operation 1.  Limitation.  Except as provided in subsection 2, the holder of a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license may not operate a vessel for the purposes of fishing for or taking lobster other than the vessel named on the holder's lobster and crab fishing license. For the purposes of this section, "operate a vessel" means steering the vessel, operating the vessel's engine throttle or gear shift or operating the mechanism used to haul lobster traps from the water. "Operating a vessel" does not include the baiting of traps or the handling of traps once they are on board the vessel.   [PL 2009, c. 394, §8 (NEW).] 2.  Exemptions.  The commissioner may authorize an individual who possesses a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license to fish for or take lobsters from a vessel other than the vessel named on the holder's lobster and crab fishing license if:   A. A Class I, Class II or Class III license holder is temporarily prevented by illness or disability from fishing for or taking lobsters from the license holder's vessel and requests in writing to the commissioner that the commissioner authorize the individual to operate that vessel to fish for or take lobsters and tend the license holder's traps pursuant to section 6434;   [PL 2009, c. 394, §8 (NEW).]B. The vessel named on the individual's license has become temporarily inoperable because of an accident or a mechanical failure and the individual requests in writing and is granted permission from the commissioner to use another vessel to fish for or take lobsters;   [PL 2013, c. 468, §16 (AMD).]C. The individual is designated as the sponsor of a student pursuant to section 6421 and is operating the vessel named on the student's license for the purposes of providing practical lobster fishing training to the student while the student is present on the vessel; or   [PL 2013, c. 468, §16 (AMD).]D. The individual was the owner of a vessel that was named on that individual's Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license but is no longer the owner of that vessel due to sale or foreclosure. The individual must demonstrate immediate intent to become the owner of another vessel that will be used to fish for or take lobsters and request in writing permission from the commissioner to use the other vessel to fish for or take lobsters for a limited period of time.   [PL 2013, c. 468, §17 (NEW).][PL 2013, c. 468, §§16, 17 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2009, c. 394, §8 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 468, §§16, 17 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6432-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6432-A. Bait

 §6432-A. Bait 1.  Offal prohibited.  A person may not use offal as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs. A person may not sell offal for use as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs. For the purposes of this section, "offal" means the carcass, waste parts, renderings or remains of a wild or domesticated animal that is not a marine organism. "Offal" does not include animal hide from which the hair has been removed or fat attached to an animal hide from which the hair has been removed as long as the total thickness of fat and animal hide does not exceed 1 1/4 inches.   [PL 2017, c. 146, §1 (AMD).] 2.  Prima facie evidence.  The possession of offal or a marine organism prohibited pursuant to subsection 4 while fishing for or taking lobster or crabs is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.   [PL 2011, c. 475, §1 (AMD).] 3.  Exception for freshwater organisms.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person may use a freshwater organism as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs if that freshwater organism and the location from which that freshwater organism has been harvested have been identified as acceptable on a list maintained by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 5.   [PL 2011, c. 475, §2 (NEW).] 4.  Use of marine organism as bait.  The commissioner may prohibit the use of marine organisms as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs. A marine organism prohibited pursuant to this subsection and the location from which that marine organism is harvested must be identified on a list maintained by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 5.   [PL 2011, c. 475, §2 (NEW).] 5.  Lists of freshwater organisms acceptable as bait and prohibited marine organisms.  The commissioner may maintain a list of freshwater organisms that are acceptable as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs, including the location from which those freshwater organisms are harvested. The commissioner may maintain a list of marine organisms that are prohibited as bait to fish for or take lobster or crabs, including the location from which those marine organisms are harvested. The commissioner may adopt routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A that contain the criteria for inclusion on the lists.   [PL 2011, c. 475, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2005, c. 203, §2 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 203, §3 (AFF). PL 2011, c. 475, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 146, §1 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6433 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6433. Escape vents

 §6433. Escape vents 1.  Vent required.  It is unlawful to fish for or to take lobsters unless the lobster trap is equipped with unobstructed vents or gaps in the parlor section as follows:   A. A rectangular or oblong escape vent not less than 1 3/4 inches (44.5 mm.) by 5.75 inches (146 mm.) located next to the bottom edge or on the top if the escape vent is placed over the head of an end parlor section;   [PL 1999, c. 142, §1 (AMD).]B. Two circular escape vents not less than 2 1/4 inches (57.2 mm.) in diameter located next to the bottom edge or on the top if the escape vents are placed over the head of an end parlor section;   [PL 1999, c. 274, §1 (AMD).]C. A gap caused by raising, modifying or separating horizontal laths to comply with paragraph A or B;   [PL 1979, c. 353, §1 (RPR).]D. A gap caused by separating or modifying vertical laths to comply with paragraph A;   [PL 1979, c. 353, §1 (RPR).]E. A gap caused by separating both ends of 2 laths 1 3/4 inches (44.5 mm.) on the top of the parlor section next to the middle bow or supporting frame and over the parlor head; or   [PL 1989, c. 217 (AMD).]F. In a wire or plastic trap, by a gap created by cutting vents in the side or end to comply with paragraph A or B.   [PL 1999, c. 142, §1 (AMD).][PL 1999, c. 142, §1 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 274, §1 (AMD).] 1-A.  Adjustment.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, the commissioner shall specify by rule the dimensions of vents in lobster traps which shall be appropriate for the minimum legal lobster size in effect.   [PL 1985, c. 677, §§4, 6 and 7 (NEW).] 2.  Action prohibited.  It shall be unlawful to set, raise, haul or transfer any lobster trap unless the trap is equipped with an escape vent as required in this section or has been exempted under subsection 3.   [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] 3.  Exemption.  The commissioner may exempt specific trap designs from the escape vent requirements of this section if it is proved to his satisfaction that the specific trap design will only take crabs and is incapable of taking lobsters.   [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] 4.  Termination.   [PL 1979, c. 353, §2 (RP).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW). PL 1977, c. 713, §§4-A,4-B (AMD). PL 1979, c. 353, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 677, §§4,6,7 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 101 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 217 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 142, §1 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 274, §1 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 6433-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 9: MARINE RESOURCES|Subpart 2: LICENSING|Chapter 619: LOBSTER AND CRAB FISHING LICENSES|Subchapter 2: LIMITS ON FISHING AND PROHIBITED ACTS|12 §6433-A. Biodegradable escape panels

 §6433-A. Biodegradable escape panels Beginning January 1, 1990, all lobster traps must be equipped with a biodegradable ghost panel. A "ghost panel" is an escape panel which is designed to release lobsters from traps which are lost while fishing. The commissioner shall, by rule, provide for implementation of this requirement. The commissioner may not require ghost panels prior to January 1, 1990.   [PL 1987, c. 569 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 569 (NEW).