Bills Submitted in the 130th Legislature
An Act To Support Senior Hunting by Allowing Lifetime Licensed Hunters over 65 Years of Age to Automatically Receive an Antlerless Deer Permit.
Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison. Cosponsored by Representatives: CARMICHAEL of Greenbush, GRIGNON of Athens, O’CONNOR of Berwick, POIRIER of Skowhegan, ROCHE of Wells, Senator: FARRIN of Somerset.
Referred to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. There were a half dozen bills dealing with the Antlerless Deer Permit system. All were reported out “Ought Not to Pass.” Referred back to IFW to come up with a comprehensive solution to the issues of the Any deer permit system. “Department was directed by IFW Committee to convene a stakeholder group to review the antlerless deer permit system. Furthermore, it stated, “In reviewing the antlerless deer permit system, the stakeholder group should consider recommending changes that will allow the Department to continue to meet deer management objectives while also providing a transparent system that has some predictability and equitable access for hunting opportunities. The stakeholder group may also consider recommending changes that will allow for increased participation in deer hunting by specific groups, such as youth hunters.”
This process is ongoing with the stakeholder group.
An Act to Explore Alternative Uses of Pulpwood and to Support the Logging and Forestry Industries.
Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison. Cosponsored by Senator FARRIN of Somerset and Representatives: COLLAMORE of Pittsfield, DOLLOFF of Milton Township, GRIGNON of Athens, POIRIER of Skowhegan, SKOLFIELD of Weld, STETKIS of Canaan, Senator: BLACK of Franklin.
Originally referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Transferred to Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business. IDEA-B converted the bill to a Resolve and passed unanimously. Resolve passed in the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on June 11, 2021.
Resolve, Directing the Department of Economic and Community Development and a Representative from the Office of the Governor To Study the Softwood Pulp Industry Sec. 1. Softwood pulp industry. Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community Development and a representative from the Office of the Governor shall work together with representatives of the forest products industry to study and make recommendations relating to the surplus of low-grade softwood in the State as a result of the recent closure of pulp and paper mills in the State and the impact it has had on the softwood pulp industry and landowners. The department shall submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business by February 1, 2022. The report must include recommendations for supporting the forest products industry and employment in that sector in this State. The committee may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 130th Legislature based on the report.
This discussion is ongoing. It began with a meeting of key stakeholders in the Governor’s Cabinet Room on August 12, 2021. It was a good discussion and while there was nothing concrete decided, all stakeholders are aware of the need for action due to the current market situation for low grade softwood pulp.
Resolve to Name Bridge 2267 in the Town of Embden and the Town of Solon the Jotham and Emma Stevens Bridge.
Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison. Cosponsored by Senator FARRIN of Somerset and Representatives: COLLAMORE of Pittsfield, GRIGNON of Athens, POIRIER of Skowhegan, SKOLFIELD of Weld, ZAGER of Portland.
Referred to Transportation Committee. Passed unanimously in Committee and on both House and Senate.