An Act to Make Changes to Certain Licensing Laws Governing For-hire Charter Boat Operators, Lobster and Crab Fishing and Elver Dealers
Sponsored By: Allison Hepler (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Lobster and crab fishers face trap limits
Maine sets an 800-trap submerged limit for Class I, II and III lobster and crab license holders. The cap also covers nonresident lobster and crab landing permit holders. Fishers must follow any lower limit set by rule for their fishing zone. Each vessel must stay within the applicable limit, even when several license holders fish from it.
Charter operators can use Coast Guard credentials
Maine recognizes a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential as a qualifying option for for-hire charter boat operators. The credential must be issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and include an endorsement allowing passengers for hire.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Allison Hepler
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 570
3/19/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
3/12/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/10/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-812), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
3/5/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-812) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
3/3/2026SenateCONSENT 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-812).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/26/2026HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on December 3, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
12/3/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-812), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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