Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD163

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  

Caption

An Act to Increase Communication Between the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Lifetime License Holders by Requiring Free License Renewals Under Certain Circumstances

Impact

If enacted, LD163 will modify existing regulations governing lifetime licenses by requiring annual renewal notifications without the associated fee. This change is expected to simplify the administrative process for both the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the license holders, allowing for better tracking of who is actively utilizing their licenses. The bill places greater responsibility on the license holders to communicate their intentions annually, potentially leading to improved management of wildlife resources in the state.

Summary

LD163, introduced by Representative Hepler, focuses on enhancing communication between the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and individuals holding lifetime hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses. The bill mandates that these license holders must inform the department each year of their intention to utilize their licenses. Importantly, the renewal process for this notification will be provided free of charge. The legislation aims to streamline interactions between the department and lifetime license holders, ensuring licenses remain valid and conditions are monitored effectively.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding LD163 appears to be supportive, particularly among stakeholders interested in sustainable wildlife management and improved regulatory frameworks. By removing the fee for license renewals, the bill is seen as a pro-consumer measure that encourages compliance and communication. There is less visible contention in discussions regarding this bill, suggesting that it is largely viewed positively by both lawmakers and the public, though the specific discussions around its formulation and implementation have yet to be thoroughly documented.

Contention

While there are no major points of contention publicly noted within the available discussions regarding LD163, it is crucial to monitor ongoing legislative conversations. Any potential opposition might arise from concerns about the additional bureaucratic responsibilities placed on license holders or challenges in compliance monitoring by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. However, at present, the initiatives seem to promote cooperative engagement rather than significant legislative conflict.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD27

An Act to Amend and Simplify Certain Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Licensing and Permitting Laws

ME LD77

An Act to Stabilize and Sustainably Fund the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Fisheries and Hatcheries Division by Increasing the Inland Fishing License Fees and Establishing the Inland Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Fund

ME LD157

An Act to Amend Certain Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws

ME LD438

An Act to Clarify and Amend the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Licensing Laws

ME HB691

Provides relative to fee increases for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (EN +$16,611,750 SD RV See Note)

ME LD428

An Act to Reclassify Certain Offenses Under the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws

ME LD131

An Act to Clarify and Correct Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws

ME LD929

An Act to Allow Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Holders to Hunt Any Deer as a Part of Their Lifetime License

ME LD402

An Act to Move the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Bureau of Resource Management Within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

ME LD1525

An Act to Allow for a Suspension of Licenses and Permits Issued Under the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws for a Deferred Disposition or Written Filing Agreement

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.