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MaineLD 171132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

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

INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPTINLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPT - POWERS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Yearly updates and 2026 review for boat rules

Beginning May 25, 2025, the two commissioners send a yearly program report by January 15 to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife committee. The committee can propose new laws based on it. The commissioners also review inspection protocols, surface use limits on infested waters, and how the public learns about restrictions. A report with findings and any proposed laws is due January 1, 2026.

Boat inspections at borders and launches

Beginning May 25, 2025, Maine inspects boats, trailers, and outboard motors at or near the border and at launch sites to stop invasive plants. Agencies also monitor known infested waters and give the public clear guidance on invasive species and use rules. The commissioners set the program’s level of effort in consultation with the interagency task force. They also review inspection rules and surface use limits on infested waters. If you boat in Maine, expect inspections and possible cleaning before or after launch.

Emergency boat limits on infested waters

Starting May 25, 2025, state commissioners can issue emergency orders on waters with confirmed invasive plants or animals when boat use risks spreading them. Orders can restrict or close boat use, set take-out and launch spots, and require inspections and cleaning at named sites. Inspections must be done by designated state‑trained boat inspectors. Orders last for specific time periods. If you boat there, you may face temporary closures and cleaning steps.

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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 116

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/13/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/7/2025House

  4. Reports 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

    5/6/2025Senate

  5. Reports 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.

    4/30/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE in concurrence

    1/14/2025Senate

  8. Committee 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

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