Ld 1104: Is It Now Law?

LD 1104 refers to a bill in the Maine Legislature. The bill number has been used for several different pieces of legislation, including an Act to Amend Certain Provisions of Fish and Wildlife Law, an Act to Increase Funds Deposited into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund through the Pet Food Surcharge, and an Act to Clarify the State's Commitments Concerning Certain Public Service Retirement Benefits. LD 1104 has become law for the 123rd and 129th Maine Legislature.

LD 1104 amends Maine's Fish and Wildlife Law

Native American Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses

The commissioner must issue a hunting, trapping, and fishing license to any Native American aged 10 or older, from the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. This license is free of charge, as long as the Native American presents a certificate from their respective reservation governor or council, confirming their identity and membership of their nation, band, or tribe.

Game Warden Killed in the Line of Duty

The spouse or child of a game warden killed in the line of duty may be issued a complimentary license to hunt and fish upon application. These licenses must be issued according to criteria established by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and the Maine Law Enforcement Officer Memorial board. The Game Warden Colonel must confirm the applicant's qualifications.

Civil Violation Fine

A person who violates subsection 1 of 12 MRSA §11211, sub-§2, ¶A commits a civil violation. The fine for this violation is a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $500.

State-Owned Wildlife Management Areas

The bill adds several areas to the list of state-owned wildlife management areas, including:

• Blanchard/AuClair WMA (Roach River Corridor) in Piscataquis County
• Brownfield WMA in Oxford County
• George Bucknam WMA (Belgrade Stream) in Kennebec County
• Caesar Pond WMA in Sagadahoc County
• Coast of Maine WMA, covering all state-owned coastal islands owned or managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• And many more

LD 1104 clarifies the state's commitments concerning certain public service retirement benefits

LD 1104, or HP 808, is a bill enacted to clarify the state's commitments concerning certain public service retirement benefits. It was referred to the Committee on Labor and Housing on March 5, 2019, and was reported out on May 3, 2019, with the recommendation that it "Ought To Pass As Amended". The bill was passed on June 19, 2019, and became a chaptered law on January 12, 2020, without the governor's signature.

The bill changes the contractual commitment to maintain state-protected benefits regarding cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employees and teachers. It specifies that this commitment constitutes a solemn contractual commitment of the State of Maine that is protected under the Constitution of Maine and the United States Constitution.

The bill amends 5 MRSA §17801, sub-§1, ¶B, to state that the protections established under the provisions listed in subparagraph (1) constitute solemn contractual commitments of the State. These protections are safeguarded under the contract clauses of the Constitution of Maine, Article I, Section 11, and the United States Constitution, Article I, Section 10.

The commitment provided by this section applies to specific provisions, including various subsections and paragraphs of Sections 17001, 17806, 17851, 17851-A, and 17852. The commitment is effective when the member in question has met the creditable service requirement set out in the given provision.

LD 1104 was unsigned by the Governor on January 12, 2020

LD 1104, HP 808, was unsigned by the Governor of Maine on January 12, 2020. The bill, titled "An Act To Clarify the State's Commitments Concerning Certain Public Service Retirement Benefits", was referred to the Committee on Labor and Housing on March 5, 2019. The committee reported out on May 3, 2019, with the recommendation that it "Ought To Pass As Amended".

The bill was then adopted by both the House and the Senate with amendments. The final disposition of the bill was "Enacted, Jan 12, 2020", with the "Governor's Action: Unsigned, Jan 12, 2020".

When a bill reaches the governor's desk, they can choose to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without their endorsement. In this case, Governor Janet Mills did not sign LD 1104, resulting in a pocket veto. This means that the bill will be held until the legislature reconvenes, which may be too late for it to be implemented as intended.

It is important to note that the legislature has rules regarding the timeframe for the governor's decision on a bill. The governor typically has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to make a decision. If the legislature is in session and the governor does not sign the bill within this 10-day window, the bill becomes law 90 days after the legislature adjourns. However, if the legislature adjourns before the 10-day period ends, the governor can leave the bill unsigned, and it does not become law until the legislature reconvenes.

LD 1104 is a bill from the 129th Maine Legislature, Second Regular Session

The bill was referred to the Committee on Labor and Housing on March 5, 2019. The latest committee action was reported out on May 3, 2019, with the recommendation "Ought To Pass As Amended". The final disposition of the bill was that it was enacted without the governor's signature on January 12, 2020.

The bill aims to clarify the state's commitments regarding certain public service retirement benefits. It is important to note that the governor did not sign the bill, which could indicate a level of disagreement or concern with the bill's content. However, the specific reasons for the lack of signature are not mentioned in the source.

LD 1104 is part of the legislative process in Maine, where it has progressed through various stages, including referral to a committee, committee action, and final disposition. The bill has now been enacted, indicating that it has become law in the state of Maine, despite the lack of the governor's signature.

LD 1104 is also a bill from the 123rd Maine Legislature, First Regular Session

The bill outlines several sections to be amended, including:

• Sec. 1: This section amends 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§8, to include additional lifetime hunting permits for Native Americans. It specifies that the commissioner shall issue a hunting, trapping, and fishing license to any Native American aged 10 years or older from specific tribes or bands, without any charge or fee, if they present a certificate of membership from their respective group.
• Sec. 2: This section enacts 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§14, which provides for a complimentary license to hunt and fish for the spouse or child of a game warden who has been killed in the line of duty. The licenses are to be issued in accordance with criteria established by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and the Maine Law Enforcement Officer Memorial board.
• Sec. 3: This section amends 12 MRSA §11211, sub-§2, ¶A, by specifying that a person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation with a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
• Sec. 4: This section amends 12 MRSA §12708, sub-§1, ¶B, by adding more areas to the list of state-owned wildlife management areas (WMAs). These areas include locations in counties such as Piscataquis, Oxford, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Franklin, and more.

LD 1104, as part of the First Regular Session of the 123rd Maine Legislature, aimed to make amendments to the existing Fish and Wildlife Law in the state. These amendments included expanding hunting and fishing license provisions for Native Americans and the families of deceased game wardens, updating penalty sections, and designating additional wildlife management areas.

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