Whereas, confusion exists as to the application of certain laws administered by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and

Whereas, this confusion poses difficulties for the sporting public and those charged with enforcement of these laws; and

Whereas, it is vitally necessary that this confusion be resolved to prevent any injustice or hardship to the hunters, anglers, trappers and recreational vehicle owners of the State; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7035, sub-§8, as amended by PL 1995, c. 667, Pt. A, §5, is further amended to read:

8. Sale of publications. If the commissioner determines it advisable for the more effective dissemination of factual information, information of public interest or information tending to promote better public relations, the commissioner may fix the price, if any, of certain publications and materials of the department, and sell and deliver them. Publications and materials included within this authority are all publications, articles, biological and statistical data, professional and technical service reports by departmental personnel and other materials in the department's possession and pertaining to the department, except publications of the laws in whatever form as described in section 7034, subsection 5. Fees may be established to offset the cost of printing extra copies of chapters 701 to 721 as provided in section 7034, subsection 6. These publications may not carry any advertising of a political nature, but may carry commercial advertising. The commissioner shall accept commercial advertising in the department's general circulation magazine entitled "Maine Fish and Wildlife" and any successor or similar publication developed by the department.

The commissioner may sell or lease video tapes, photographs or negatives owned by the department and may fix the price, if any, giving consideration to their fair market value.