An Act Regarding Penalties for Violating the Maine Weights and Measures Law
Sponsored By: William Pluecker (Independent)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher penalties for weights-and-measures violations
The law lets the Agriculture Commissioner fine up to $5,000 for each violation when no specific penalty exists. Each day of a continuing violation counts as a separate offense. Total fines from one proceeding cannot be more than $50,000 per person. This does not cover firewood sales, which have their own penalties. The Department can also bill you for its investigation costs.
Fines for illegal firewood sales
Selling firewood in violation of the law is a civil offense. The fine is $50 to $2,000 for each violation. This penalty is separate from the general penalty system.
Stronger penalty collection and license holds
If you owe a penalty, you must pay the Department. Filing an appeal stops collection until the case ends. Interest adds up on unpaid amounts at state law rates before and after the appeal. The Commissioner can sue in District or Superior Court to enforce a final penalty. The Department can refuse to renew your Department license until you pay. If you have no Department license, the state collects under its judgment enforcement law.
Clear notice and appeal rights for penalties
Before a final penalty, the Department must send you written notice by personal service or certified mail. You have 15 days to ask for a hearing in writing. Hearings follow the state administrative procedure rules. If you miss the deadline, the proposed penalty becomes final by default. You can then appeal to Superior Court within 30 days.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
William Pluecker
Independent • 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 193
6/9/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/29/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-296) 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-296), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/28/2025SenateCONSENT 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-296).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/28/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on January 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
1/6/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-296), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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