Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §5515, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 261, §4, is amended to read:

8. Renewal. Licenses expire annually on December 31st or on a date the commissioner determines. The board shall issue a renewal license upon receipt of the written request for renewal, the annual fee and evidence of satisfactory completion of continuing education as set forth in subsection 7. The board shall mail a renewal notice and application 4 to 6 weeks prior to expiration. Licenses may be renewed up to 90 days after expiration upon payment of a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. If a renewal application is not received by the expiration date or within 30 days after the expiration date, the board shall send a notice by registered mail return receipt requested to the licensed forester at the last known mailing address advising the forester of the license expiration and the 90-day period during which renewal can occur. A person who submits an application for renewal more than 90 days after the license expiration date is subject to all requirements governing new applicants under this chapter.

Sec. 2. Transition provisions. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, section 5515, subsection 8, the Board of Licensure of Foresters shall reinstate a forester's license that expired on December 31, 2001 or December 31, 2002 if the license was revoked solely for failure to renew within 90 days of the expiration date and the forester qualifies for renewal in accordance with this section. To qualify for renewal under this section, the applicant must submit a request for renewal, evidence of compliance with continuing education requirements, the annual renewal fee and a late fee prior to December 31, 2003.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Board of Licensure of Foresters to send a renewal notice prior to the expiration of a forester's license and a second notice to a forester who fails to renew within 30 days of the expiration of a license. This bill allows a person whose license expired December 31, 2001 or December 31, 2002 to be reinstated as a licensed forester.