CHAPTER 268

S.P. 204 - L.D. 649

An Act To Provide Access to Maine's Resources to Certain

Veterans

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, this legislation provides certain benefits to homecoming veterans of the Iraq War; and

Whereas, these benefits, such as a free one-year fishing license and free access to state parks would need to begin before the 90- day period ends; 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 §1819-A is enacted to read:

§1819-A.__Day use passes for certain veterans

Notwithstanding section 1819, the commissioner shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management for the issuance of a free day use pass to state parks and historic sites to each veteran determined by the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management to meet the criteria established in Title 37-B,