Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6171-C is enacted to read:

§6171-C.__Protection of public health

1.__Commissioner's powers.__The commissioner may, with the advice and consent of the Marine Resources Advisory Council, adopt or amend such rules as the commissioner considers necessary to protect public health.

2.__Emergency rulemaking.__If immediate action is necessary to protect public health, the commissioner may undertake the emergency adoption of a rule or an amendment to a rule in accordance with section 6192 and Title 5, section 8054.

3.__Procedure.__The procedures of subchapter 2 must be used in adopting or amending rules authorized by this section.

SUMMARY

This bill gives the Commissioner of Marine Resources the authority to adopt rules, with the advice and consent of the Marine Resources Advisory Council, as necessary to protect public health.