reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
12 ME Rev Stat § 6-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|12 §6-A. Farmland registration

 §6-A. Farmland registration In addition to the powers assigned in section 6, a soil and water conservation district shall review applications for the registration of farmland pursuant to Title 7, chapter 2‑B. The district shall, by majority vote of the supervisors, certify whether the land described in the application:   [PL 1989, c. 478, §2 (NEW).]1.  Acreage.  Consists of 5 or more contiguous acres;   [PL 1989, c. 478, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Farm products.  Includes only land used in the production of farm products, as defined in Title 7, section 52, subsection 3‑A, in one of the 2, or 3 of the 5, calendar years preceding the date of application for registration under Title 7, chapter 2‑B;   [RR 2011, c. 2, §7 (COR).] 3.  Relationship to boundary established.  Is within 50 feet of any property boundary and that the application includes a depiction of the distance between any area producing farm products under consideration and any property boundary within 50 feet that is sufficient to determine the impact of Title 7, section 56, subsection 1‑A on abutting land; and   [RR 2011, c. 2, §7 (COR).] 4.  Renewal.  For farmland registered within the time frame provided under section 53‑B, subsection 1, continues to meet the eligibility requirements of Title 7, section 53‑A that were in effect at the time the land was registered.   [PL 2011, c. 608, §18 (NEW).] A district shall complete its review under this section within 60 days of receiving an application.   [PL 2011, c. 608, §18 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1989, c. 478, §2 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 649, §6 (AMD). RR 2011, c. 2, §7 (COR). PL 2011, c. 608, §18 (AMD).
12 ME Rev Stat § 7 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|12 §7. Discontinuance of districts

 §7. Discontinuance of districts At any time after 5 years after the organization of a district under this chapter, any 25 occupiers of land lying within the boundaries of such district may file a petition with the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry requesting that the operations of the district be terminated and the existence of the district discontinued. Upon receipt of the petition for the discontinuance of a district, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall conduct such public hearings and referenda as may be necessary to assist it in the consideration thereof. In conducting such hearings and referenda, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall adhere substantially to the same procedures and give weight to each of the considerations set forth in section 101, as were followed in the organization of such districts. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may not determine that the continued operation of the district is administratively practicable and feasible unless at least a majority of the votes cast in the referendum shall have been cast in favor of the continuance of such district.   [PL 1965, c. 190, §5 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]The State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall not entertain petitions for the discontinuance of any district nor conduct referenda upon such petitions nor make determinations pursuant to such petitions in accordance with this chapter, more often than once in 5 years.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §§5,6 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 51 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §51. Membership; seal; rules (REPEALED)

 §51. Membership; seal; rules (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §7 (AMD). PL 1967, c. 280 (AMD). PL 1967, c. 494, §10 (AMD). PL 1967, c. 544, §20 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 460, §18 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 513, §22 (AMD). PL 1975, c. 172 (RPR). PL 1975, c. 770, §61 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 99, §2 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 812, §71 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 578 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 503, §B54 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 837, §A28 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §7 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 51-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §51-A. Advisory council established

 §51-A. Advisory council established The State Conservation District Advisory Council, as established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 68‑A, advises the commissioner on matters affecting the operations and responsibilities of soil and water conservation districts. The State Conservation District Advisory Council consists of one representative from each of the soil and water conservation districts. The president and vice-president of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts and the State Conservationist of the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service shall serve as ex officio, nonvoting members. The president and vice-president of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts shall also serve as chair and vice-chair. The advisory council shall:   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]1.  Formulation of budget.  Consult with the commissioner regarding the formulation of that part of the department's budget that pertains to the operations of the soil and water conservation districts;   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).] 2.  Procedures for election of supervisors.  Advise the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on the appointment of soil and water conservation district supervisors and on procedures for the election of supervisors;   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] 3.  Consult in areas of expertise.  Regularly consult with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on matters in which the soil and water conservation districts have individual or collective expertise, including agriculture, forestry, water quality, economic and community development and the protection of landowner rights;   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] 4.  Distribution of grant money.  Advise the department on procedures for the distribution of federal, state or private grant money that passes through the department and is intended for the work of soil and water conservation districts; and   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).] 5.  Conservation districts.  Advise the department regarding the formation or discontinuance of soil and water conservation districts.   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 51-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §51-B. Assistance from department

 §51-B. Assistance from department The department shall assist the advisory council and individual soil and water conservation districts to further constructive working relationships with other natural resource agencies of State Government.   [PL 1995, c. 532, §9 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 532, §9 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 52 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §52. Legal services; executive director; delegation of powers (REPEALED)

 §52. Legal services; executive director; delegation of powers (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 1971, c. 594, §§17-A (AMD). PL 1973, c. 537, §16 (AMD). PL 1979, c. 732, §19 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 837, §A29 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §10 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 53 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §53. Officers; terms; quorum; compensation; records (REPEALED)

 §53. Officers; terms; quorum; compensation; records (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 99, §3 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 812, §72 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 837, §A30 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §11 (RP).
12 ME Rev Stat § 54-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §54-A. Budget

 §54-A. Budget That part of the department's budget that pertains to the operations of the soil and water conservation districts must be separately identified as a major budget area within the department's budget.   [PL 1995, c. 532, §14 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1995, c. 532, §14 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 55 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 2: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|12 §55. Exemptions

 §55. Exemptions Exempted from this subchapter are all dams and projects licensed by or subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission under Part I of the Federal Power Act.   [PL 1973, c. 103, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1973, c. 103, §2 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 102 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 3: SUPERVISORS|12 §102. Duties of supervisors and district employees

 §102. Duties of supervisors and district employees 1.  Supervisors.  A majority of the supervisors constitute a quorum, and the vote of a majority of the quorum present constitutes an action by the board. The supervisors shall elect one of their members to be chair and may, from time to time, change such designation. As determined by the board, and to the extent funds are available for this purpose, a supervisor may receive reasonable compensation for services and other expenses, including travel necessarily incurred in the discharge of the supervisor's duties.   [PL 1999, c. 138, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Employees and others.  The supervisors may employ a secretary and such other employees and contractors as they require in the performance of their duties. The supervisors may call upon the Attorney General for legal services. The supervisors shall require the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who are entrusted with funds or valuable property.   [PL 1999, c. 138, §2 (NEW).] 3.  Delegation.  Subject to their appropriate supervision, the supervisors may delegate the work of the district to one or more of their members of the district or to their employees or agents as they determine necessary for the conduct of the district's business.   [PL 1999, c. 138, §2 (NEW).] 4.  Records.  The supervisors shall provide for the keeping of accurate records of their actions, proceedings and other business of the district. The supervisors shall furnish to the commissioner any records or information that the commissioner may request concerning the performance of the district's business.   [PL 1999, c. 138, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §§11,12 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §§15,17 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 138, §2 (RPR).
12 ME Rev Stat § 103 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 3: SUPERVISORS|12 §103. Associate supervisors

 §103. Associate supervisors 1.  Appointment of associate supervisors.  By unanimous vote, the board of supervisors of a district established according to section 102 may appoint individuals with training and experience relevant to the duties of the supervisors to serve as associate supervisors.   By unanimous vote, the board of supervisors may designate one or more of the associate supervisors to have voting authority. The board shall maintain a list of individuals designated to have voting authority and shall submit that list to the department. Employees of the district and contract providers to the district may be appointed as associate supervisors but may not be accorded this voting authority. The voting authority accorded associate supervisors is limited under subsection 2.   [PL 1997, c. 105, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Limits on voting authority.  When only 2 supervisors are present at a regularly scheduled board meeting, the chair of the meeting may appoint an associate supervisor present and with designated voting authority to serve as a supervisor for that meeting, thereby establishing a quorum. The designated associate supervisor has full voting rights of a supervisor for that meeting.   [PL 1997, c. 105, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 105, §1 (NEW).
12 ME Rev Stat § 151 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §151. Petition for creation

 §151. Petition for creation Any 25 occupiers of land lying within the limits of the territory proposed to be organized into a district may file a petition with the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry asking that a soil and water conservation district be organized to function in the territory described in the petition. Such petition shall set forth:   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]1.  Name.  The proposed name of said district;   2.  Need.  That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, for a district to function in the territory described in the petition;   3.  Description.  A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district;   4.  Referendum.  A request that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry duly define the boundaries for such district; that a referendum be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a soil and water conservation district in such territory; and that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry determine that such a district be created.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] Where more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may consolidate all or any such petitions.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §§13,14 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 153 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §153. Referendum

 §153. Referendum After the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has made and recorded a determination that there is need for the organization of a district in a particular territory and has defined the boundaries thereof, it shall consider the question whether the operation of a district within such boundaries is administratively practicable and feasible. To assist the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the determination of such administrative practicability and feasibility, it shall, within a reasonable time after entry of the finding that there is need for the organization of the proposed district, cause due notice of a referendum to be given, and hold such referendum within the proposed district. The question shall be submitted by ballots. The usual voting places available for regular elections within the district shall be available for the purposes of such referenda, and city and town officials are directed to assist in the carrying out of such referenda.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]All occupiers of lands lying within the boundaries of the territory, as determined by the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and only such land occupiers, shall be eligible to vote in such referendum.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §16 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 154 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §154. Expenses; regulations; informalities

 §154. Expenses; regulations; informalities The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall pay all expenses for the issuance of such notices and the conduct of such hearings and referenda. It shall issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct of such hearings and referenda. No informalities in the conduct thereof shall invalidate said referendum.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 155 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §155. Results of referendum; determination

 §155. Results of referendum; determination The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall publish the result of such referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the territory affected and shall thereafter again consider and determine whether the operation of the district is administratively practicable and feasible. If the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall determine that the operation of such district is not administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and deny the petition. If the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall determine that the operation of such district is administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and shall proceed with the organization of the district in the manner provided. In making such determination, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall give due regard and weight to the attitude of the occupiers of lands lying within the defined boundaries, the number of land occupiers eligible to vote in such referendum who shall have voted, the proportion of the votes cast in such referendum in favor of the creation of the district to the total number of votes cast, the probable expense of carrying on erosion-control operations within such district and such other economic and social factors as may be relevant to such determination. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall not have authority to determine that the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable and feasible unless at least a majority of the votes cast in the referendum shall have been cast in favor of the creation of such district.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 157 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §157. Subsequent petitions

 §157. Subsequent petitions After 6 months shall have expired from the date of entry of a determination by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry that operation of a proposed district is not administratively practicable and feasible, and denial of a petition, subsequent petitions may be filed and action taken by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 158 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 4: FORMATION OF DISTRICTS|12 §158. Petition for additional territory

 §158. Petition for additional territory Petitions for including additional territory within an existing district may be filed with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and the proceedings provided for in the case of petitions to organize a district shall be observed in the case of petitions for such inclusion. Where the total number of land occupiers in the area proposed for inclusion shall be less than 25, the petition may be filed when signed by a majority of the occupiers of such area, and in such case no hearing or referendum need be held. In referenda upon petitions for such inclusion, all occupiers of land lying within the proposed additional area shall be eligible to vote.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
12 ME Rev Stat § 201 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 12: CONSERVATION|Part 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION|Chapter 1: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS|Subchapter 5: FINANCES|12 §201. Allocation of funds

 §201. Allocation of funds 1.  Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to districts.  Unless otherwise provided by law, moneys which may be under the control of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Fund, or in any other account, shall be allocated by the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry among the districts already organized or to be organized, in accordance with the procedure specified in subsection 2. All moneys allocated to any district by the said Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall be available to the supervisors of such district for all administrative and other expenses of the district under this chapter.   [PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] 2.  Budget and allocations.  Allocations to soil and water conservation districts shall be made on the basis of a budget submitted by each district to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by February 1st of each year. In making such allocations of such moneys, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall retain an amount estimated by it to be adequate to enable it to make subsequent allocations in accordance with this section from time to time among newly organized districts.   [PL 1967, c. 494, §12 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 190, §19 (AMD). PL 1967, c. 494, §12 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 477, §1 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 532, §17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).