summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Passed
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/23/2025
05/23/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
An Act to Create a Limited Retail Seafood Harvester Certificate Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, the limited retail seafood harvester certificate, established in this legislation and attached to an already existing retail seafood license, would make it easier for shellfish harvesters, especially oyster growers, to sell their harvest directly to consumers without having the additional expense related to the operation of a fixed facility or selling their product through registered dealers; and Whereas, it is important that this certificate be made available to seafood harvesters as soon as possible, so they may sell their harvest from a vehicle during the upcoming spring and summer seasons, including at farmers' markets; and Whereas, the Department of Marine Resources has indicated that the department has the resources necessary to implement this certificate immediately; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill creates a new Limited Retail Seafood Harvester Certificate that allows holders of a retail seafood license to sell shellstock directly to consumers using a vehicle, specifically targeting shellfish harvesters like oyster growers. The certificate is available to commercial shellfish license holders, surf clam boat license holders, mahogany quahog license holders, hand-raking mussel license holders, mussel boat license holders, and aquaculture license holders. The certificate costs $50 and will be deposited into the Shellfish Fund, and it permits the primary owner of the retail seafood license to sell shellstock they have personally harvested from their vehicle, including at venues like farmers' markets. The bill allows the Department of Marine Resources to inspect the vehicle used for sales, and failure to provide access could result in license suspension. This new certificate is designed to help small-scale seafood harvesters sell their products more directly and with fewer regulatory burdens, potentially reducing their operational expenses. The bill is being enacted as an emergency measure to make the certificate available for the upcoming spring and summer seasons, recognizing the immediate economic benefits for local seafood harvesters.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, May 23, 2025 (on 05/23/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=144&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0080&item=3&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN014403.pdf |
| Senate: C-A (S-46) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0080&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-46) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN014402.pdf |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN014401.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0080&item=1&snum=132 |
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