Bill > LD153

This bill establishes legal provisions regarding the unauthorized mooring of watercraft in Maine, creating a new section of state law that defines specific rules and penalties for improperly using another person's mooring. The bill defines key terms like "emergency" (an unexpected event posing physical harm or potential watercraft damage) and "owner or lessee" (those with legal rights to a mooring), and prohibits individuals from securing a watercraft to a mooring without the owner's permission. Violations can result in a Class E criminal charge under three specific circumstances: refusing to release a mooring when requested, leaving an unattended watercraft that prevents the owner's use, or damaging the mooring. The legislation also mandates that violators must pay restitution for any monetary expenses incurred by the mooring's owner and provides two affirmative defenses: attempting to rent a clearly marked vacant mooring or securing a watercraft during a reported emergency. Importantly, the bill includes a liability protection clause stating that mooring owners are not responsible for damages incurred by unauthorized users, which provides additional legal protection for mooring owners.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=153&snum=132