Sec. B-94. 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§11, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. D, §7, is amended to read:

11. Permits to accommodate permanent physical disabilities. The commissioner may issue a special permit to a person with a permanent physical disability that includes special authorization that allows that person to hunt, trap or fish at times or in a manner otherwise prohibited by this Part in order to enhance access to hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities. No laws or rules may be waived except as are necessary to effect this subsection. A permit may be issued under this subsection only if:

A. The applicant provides the commissioner with a letter signed by a licensed physician clearly stating the nature of that person's disability, the permanence of the disability and the extent to which the disability affects that person's ambulatory ability or endurance; use of one or both hands, arms or legs; or sight or hearing;

B. The commissioner determines that the permanent physical disability prevents that person from safely accessing hunting, trapping or fishing opportunities at the times or in the manner allowed by this Part or by rules adopted pursuant to this Part; and

C. The person meets all other requirements for issuance of that permit and related licensing requirements and is not otherwise ineligible for that permit.

Prior to making a determination of eligibility under this subsection, the commissioner or the commissioner's agent shall meet with the applicant in person at a location chosen by the commissioner to discuss the applicant's needs. Each applicant's disability and needs must be reviewed in consultation with the disabled hunter, trapper and angler advisory committee established in section 10152 and a determination made regarding the special authorization that may be made to enhance the applicant's access to fishing, hunting and trapping opportunities. A permit issued under this subsection must be signed by the commissioner and include a clear and specific description of the activities authorized by that permit. The disabled person shall carry the permit whenever that person is hunting, trapping or fishing, and the permit must be presented to