Bill > LD964

This bill amends Maine's inland fisheries and wildlife laws to update how sunrise and sunset times are determined for locations across the state. Specifically, the bill changes the reference point for calculating sunrise and sunset from the Nautical Almanac Office to the Astronomical Applications Department of the United States Naval Observatory. The legislation removes the previous requirement of using Bangor, Maine as the standard location and instead allows for calculating sunrise and sunset times for any specific location within the state. The change means that instead of using a single fixed point (Bangor), the state can now obtain more precise sunrise and sunset times that account for variations in geographical location. By specifying "for a given location in the State" and using the Astronomical Applications Department, the bill provides more flexibility and accuracy in determining official sunrise and sunset times, which can be important for activities like hunting, fishing, and other time-sensitive outdoor regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=964&snum=132