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LD 1279

An Act To Require The Department Of Marine Resources To Conduct Biotoxin Testing Of Cultured Scallops

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Holly Eaton and 6 co-sponsors

DMR to run a two-year pilot testing biotoxins in cultured scallops (whole or roe) to guide safety, markets, and rules; $100,000 one-time funding.

Signed by Governor
#biotoxintesting #scallops #shellfish
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Bill Summary · LD 1279

Summary — LD 1279 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Title: An Act To Require The Department Of Marine Resources To Conduct Biotoxin Testing Of Cultured Scallops
Bill number: LD 1279
Introduced: March 25, 2025
Final status: Signed by Governor (July 1, 2025) — enacted as amended (Committee Amendment C "A" (H‑345))
Subject: Biotoxin testing of scallops, shellfish aquaculture

Purpose

To require the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to operate a pilot program that conducts biotoxin testing of cultured scallops, with the objective of gathering data on toxin levels in whole cultured scallops or in scallop roe and supporting public health and industry decision‑making.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a pilot program, administered by DMR, to conduct biotoxin testing of cultured scallops.
  • Testing may be performed on whole cultured scallops or on the roe (gonad) of cultured scallops.
  • The enacted measure is structured as a Resolve (final form adopted with Committee Amendment C "A" (H‑345)).
  • The pilot is time‑limited and funded through one‑time appropriations described below (no ongoing funding included in the fiscal notes).

Fiscal impact

  • One‑time General Fund appropriations to DMR:
    • FY 2025‑26: $50,000
    • FY 2026‑27: $50,000
  • Total appropriated for the pilot: $100,000 spread across two fiscal years.
  • Fiscal notes project no additional General Fund cost in FY 2027‑28 and FY 2028‑29.

Who is affected

  • Department of Marine Resources: responsible for operating the pilot testing program.
  • Cultured scallop industry (growers, harvesters, processors): may be subject to sampling and testing; results could affect harvest timelines, marketability, and management practices.
  • Public health regulators and consumers: pilot data will inform food safety assessments and risk communication related to shellfish biotoxins.

Timeline and procedural history (selected)

  • Referred to Committee on Marine Resources: March 25, 2025.
  • Reported out OTP‑AM after work session (May 8, 2025).
  • Passed, amended, and sent for concurrence in June 2025; Committee Amendment A (H‑345) adopted.
  • Finally passed in concurrence: June 25, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor: July 1, 2025.

Potential impacts and next steps

  • The pilot will generate baseline data on biotoxin presence in cultured scallops (whole animal and/or roe), informing whether routine testing protocols or regulatory changes are warranted.
  • Short‑term costs are limited to the $100,000 appropriation; the Legislature retains discretion for any future funding or expansion based on pilot results.
  • DMR will likely report findings to the Legislature or stakeholders as specified by implementing guidance (check the enacted Resolve for reporting requirements and pilot details).

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

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