Bill
LD 40
LD 40 updates the transfer rules for Maine commercial large-game shooting area licenses, clarifying approvals and DACF oversight with only minor, absorbable cost impacts.
Status: Signed by Governor (April 18, 2025)
Introduction and purpose
- LD 40 amends the laws governing the transfer of licenses for commercial large game shooting areas. The bill’s title indicates a focus on clarifying and updating the process by which such licenses can be transferred from one holder to another.
- The intended aim is to modify the statutory framework to better regulate transfers, with oversight by the appropriate state department.
Key provisions (as described in available materials)
- The bill would change the Laws Governing the Commercial Large Game Shooting Area License Transfer Process. The exact statutory changes (e.g., who may transfer, to whom, what approvals are required, timing, or conditions) are contained in the bill text itself and accompanying legal language.
- The reforms are described as changes to the transfer process, likely affecting eligibility criteria, department approval/consent requirements, and procedural steps for completing a transfer.
Who is affected
- License holders of commercial large game shooting areas, including current owners seeking to transfer licenses.
- Prospective transferees/second parties seeking to acquire such licenses.
- The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), which administers the licensing program and would implement any changes.
- The hunting and commercial game shooting industry operating in Maine that relies on these licenses for business operations.
Fiscal impact and budgetary notes
- Two fiscal notes accompany the bill:
- Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement (Document 3, approved March 27, 2025) indicates a minor cost increase to the General Fund, with costs to implement the bill expected to be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
- Final Fiscal Note (Document 4, approved April 8, 2025) similarly indicates a minor General Fund cost increase, absorbable within current DACF budget.
- Overall, the bill is not projected to create large new program costs.
Procedural timeline and legislative actions
- Introduced: January 6, 2025
- Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
- Key actions:
- March 25, 2025: Voted OTP (ought to pass) and work session held
- March 28, 2025: Reported Out - OTP
- April 1–8, 2025: Passed through various readings; sent for concurrence; actions under suspension of the Rules
- April 10–15, 2025: Passed to be enacted; concurrence processes completed
- April 18, 2025: Signed by Governor
- Legislative session context: 132nd Maine Legislature
Notes
- While the summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the fiscal notes, the exact statutory text is necessary to identify the precise changes to transfer procedures (eligibility, approvals, timelines, fee implications, penalties, etc.). Readers seeking detailed language should review the LD 40 bill text and the associated fiscal notes (LR 153(01) and LR 153(03)) and consider any implementing regulations from the DACF.
Sources
- LD 40 materials (bill text and legislative actions)
- Fiscal Notes: LR0153(01) (Preliminary) and LR0153(03) (Engrossed)
- Legislative Action Timeline for LD 40 (2025)
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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