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MaineLD 1722132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Regulation of Aquaculture Leases

Sponsored By: Morgan Rielly (Democratic)

Became Law

AQUACULTUREAQUACULTURE - OTHER

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

Aquaculture lease renewals: fees and deadlines

Starting June 20, 2025, a renewal must include a nonrefundable fee set by the commissioner, up to $1,500. If the department gets your renewal within 30 days after expiration, you must add a $500 nonrefundable late fee; the commissioner can waive it for a serious illness with a doctor’s note. The department does not process renewals received more than 30 days after expiration and the lease expires. When you apply to renew, your lease stays in effect until the commissioner decides. If denied, you must remove gear and products within 120 days of the decision; if no renewal is filed within 30 days after expiration, you must remove gear within 120 days after expiration.

Convert limited-purpose leases to full

Starting June 20, 2025, holders of limited-purpose commercial leases can apply to convert to a full lease for the same area and operations. The commissioner converts the lease as soon as a complete, qualifying application is received. If you apply before expiration or within 30 days after with a $500 nonrefundable late fee (waivable for serious illness with a doctor’s note), your limited-purpose lease stays in effect until the decision. If the conversion is denied, the limited-purpose lease stays in effect until 120 days after the decision. Applications received more than 30 days after expiration are not processed, and you must remove gear and products within 120 days.

Renewal rules for scientific research leases

Starting June 20, 2025, scientific limited-purpose leases can be renewed if you followed the lease, did research during the term, renewal serves the State’s interests, and your total tenancy stays at or below 500 acres. A timely renewal keeps your lease in effect while the decision is pending. Renewals filed within 30 days after expiration require a $500 nonrefundable late fee, which can be waived for a serious illness with a doctor’s note. The department does not process renewals filed more than 30 days after expiration and the lease expires. If renewal is denied, you must remove gear and products within 120 days of the decision.

Public notice and input on renewals

Starting June 20, 2025, once a renewal application is complete, the department notifies riparian owners within 1,000 feet and local officials, and publishes a summary. The public can send comments for 30 days. If 10 people ask in writing within 30 days, the commissioner holds a hearing. The department may require the applicant to repay notice costs. Renewal processing under this section is not an adjudicatory proceeding.

When new aquaculture lease rules apply

Starting June 20, 2025, the new renewal rules apply to renewals pending on that date and to all renewals filed after. The Department of Marine Resources must update its rules and forms to match the law. The law also repeals subsection 18 of the limited-purpose lease statute.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Morgan Rielly

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 389

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    6/18/2025Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/18/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-769) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-769), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/17/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-769).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES in concurrence

    4/17/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Marine Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/17/2025House

Bill Text

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