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LD 489

An Act To Provide For A Vessel Breakdown License Exception For Commercial Halibut Fishing License Holders

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Gary Drinkwater and 6 co-sponsors

Creates a vessel-breakdown license exception letting Maine commercial halibut fishers continue fishing if their vessel is disabled, under defined criteria.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 489

Summary — LD 489 (132nd Legislature)

An Act To Provide For A Vessel Breakdown License Exception For Commercial Halibut Fishing License Holders

Purpose

LD 489 creates a statutory “vessel breakdown” license exception for holders of Maine commercial halibut fishing licenses. The measure is intended to reduce disruption to harvester activity and economic loss when a licensed halibut vessel becomes disabled by permitting continued commercial halibut fishing under defined exception circumstances.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Establishes a vessel-breakdown exception that applies to holders of commercial halibut fishing licenses.
  • Allows a license holder to continue commercial halibut fishing despite the licensed vessel being incapacitated, subject to the criteria, limitations, and reporting requirements set out in the bill (text not included here).
  • Amended version: The bill was amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-74) prior to final passage; the enacted law reflects that amendment.

Note: The bill text (not provided in the materials here) contains the precise eligibility requirements, time limits, transfer/authorization procedures, and any documentation or notification duties required of license holders and/or vessel operators.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Commercial halibut license holders in Maine whose vessels become disabled.
  • Secondary: Other commercial fishing operators who may be involved as substitute or temporary vessels, and the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), which administers licensing and any exception processes.
  • Consumers and processors may see reduced disruption to supply if harvesters can continue operations via the exception.

Fiscal and implementation impact

  • Fiscal note (approved 04/09/25 and 04/30/25): Minor cost increase to the General Fund.
  • Any additional costs to the Department of Marine Resources are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative history and timing

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025 (sponsor: Rep. Tiffany Strout).
  • Referred to: Committee on Marine Resources; report Out (OTP‑AM) and adoption of Committee Amendment “A” (H‑74).
  • Passed both chambers under emergency procedure (required two‑thirds vote).
  • Passed and enrolled: May 6–7, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor: May 9, 2025. Because it was enacted as an emergency measure, it takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature (or on the date specified in the final enrolled statute).

Where to find the full text

For exact eligibility criteria, operational rules, reporting obligations, and any penalties, consult the enrolled bill text and the amended version (Committee Amendment A, H‑74) available from the Maine Legislature’s website or the DMR.

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

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