B. Held a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license and has landed lobster under that license.

Once a person successfully completes the examination, that person need not repeat the examination to renew the license.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §6421, sub-§5-C is enacted to read:

5-C.__Apprentice lobster and crab fishing license eligibility.__An apprentice lobster and crab fishing license may be issued only to a person who, at the time of application, is 8 years of age or older.

Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1999, c. 490, §2, is further amended to read:

1. Program established; experience component. By July 1, 1996, the commissioner shall establish by rule an apprentice program for entry into the lobster fishery. The program must include practical lobster fishing experience. A person must be 8 years of age or older and hold an apprentice lobster and crab fishing license or a student lobster and crab fishing license under section 6421 to enter the program.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the laws concerning age requirements for student, apprentice and noncommercial lobster license holders by setting a minimum age of 8 years and a graduated trap limit for student license holders depending on their age.