WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 1623

An Act To Amend Certain Fish And Wildlife Laws Related To Landowner Representation Regarding Abandoned Property

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bridgeo and 5 co-sponsors

LD 1623 amends Maine fish and wildlife laws to redefine landowner representation for abandoned property found on private land, changing reclaim and disposition procedures.

Signed by Governor
#abandonedequipment #hunting #landownerrelations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1623

Summary — LD 1623

An Act To Amend Certain Fish And Wildlife Laws Related to Landowner Representation Regarding Abandoned Property
Signed by Governor: June 11, 2025

Purpose

LD 1623, as enacted, amends Maine’s fish and wildlife statutes in relation to how abandoned property found on private land is handled, with specific focus on the role or rights of landowners concerning representation and disposition of that property. The title indicates the bill clarifies or changes procedures for handling abandoned equipment or other property on private lands used for hunting or other wildlife-related activities.

Key points (based on available documents)

  • The bill changes statutory language and procedures related to abandoned property in the fish and wildlife context, particularly addressing landowner representation (the bill text itself should be consulted for precise statutory amendments).
  • Committee Amendment C “A” (H‑440) was adopted prior to enactment; that amended version is the law as signed.
  • No detailed substantive provisions are available in the provided fiscal documents; readers should review the engrossed/enacted bill text for exact edits, definitions, timelines for claiming property, notice requirements, and any enforcement or forfeiture mechanisms.

Who is affected

  • Landowners (especially owners of property where hunting or wildlife activities occur) — potentially affected in how they may claim, hold, or represent interests in abandoned equipment or property found on their land.
  • Hunters and recreational users — may face modified procedures for reclaiming equipment or receiving notice regarding abandoned items.
  • Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) — will implement any procedural changes; expected to absorb related costs within existing budgets.
  • Judicial system and law enforcement — may see a small number of additional cases related to abandoned property disputes.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Fiscal notes (LR 1540(02) and LR 1540(03)) estimate:
    • Minor cost increase to the General Fund.
    • Minor revenue increases to the General Fund and Other Special Revenue Funds (from collection of additional fines).
    • Additional court workload is expected to be minimal and not to require new funding.
    • IFW can absorb administrative costs within current budgeted resources.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: April 11, 2025; referred to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
  • Committee: Reported Out as OTP‑AM; Work Session April 30, 2025.
  • Passed both chambers and amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H‑440) on June 3–4, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor: June 11, 2025 — now enacted law.

Where to find the full text

For the precise statutory changes and operative language, consult the engrossed/enacted bill (LD 1623, with Committee Amendment C “A” (H‑440)) on the Maine Legislature website or the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.