An Act to Enhance Protections Regarding Invasive Aquatic Plant and Animal Infestations in Inland Waters of the State
Sponsored By: Tavis Hasenfus (Democratic)
Became Law
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Boaters face inspections at launches and border
The law requires state agencies to inspect boats, trailers, and motors at or near the border and at boat launches. The State monitors waters known to have invasive plants. Agencies give the public education on invasive species and on water-use rules. Inspections must be done by state‑trained, designated boat inspectors. Boaters should expect checks that may add time or cleaning, which helps protect lakes and rivers.
Emergency boat limits and cleaning rules
The commissioners can jointly issue emergency orders for waters with a confirmed invasive plant or animal. Orders apply only when boat use risks making the spread worse. They can limit or ban boat use on part or all of a waterbody. Orders can require launch and take‑out only at named sites. They can also require inspection and cleaning of boats, trailers, and gear at named sites while the order is in effect.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Tavis Hasenfus
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Richard A. Bennett
Independent • Senate
William Bridgeo
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 116
5/25/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/13/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/7/2025HouseReports READ On motion by Senator BALDACCI of Penobscot The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-79) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-79) in concurrence
5/6/2025SenateReports READ.On motion of Representative ROBERTS of South Berwick, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-79) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-79). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/30/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE in concurrence
1/14/2025SenateCommittee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/14/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-79), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
Related Bills
LD 1522, An Act to Establish the Maine Eviction Prevention Program
LD 2067, An Act to Include Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement
LD 1665, An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief to Maine Families
LD 1872, An Act to Reinvest in the Pension Funds of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System
LD 1611, An Act to Decrease the Retirement Contributions Required for Teachers and State Employees
LD 1294, An Act to Expand the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit