An Act Relating to Standardbred Horse Breeding

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

Whereas,  it is important to the future of the Maine Standardbred horse breed that the best breeding stallions be available; and

Whereas,  it is necessary for this legislation to take effect sooner than 90 days after adjournment of the First Regular Session in order to make available the best breeding opportunities; 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,

Sec. 1. 8 MRSA §281,  as amended by PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. G, §8 and affected by §15, is further amended by adding at the end a new paragraph to read:

A Maine Standardbred stallion standing in the State is eligible to breed with mares any time during the breeding season if the stallion is registered with the commission by January 1st of the breeding year. A Maine Standardbred stallion that is not registered by January 1st of the breeding year may become eligible to breed by payment of the registration fee and a late payment fee established by the commission.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill provides that Maine Standardbred stallions registered in the State on January 1st of the breeding year may breed with mares in the State. A stallion that is not registered on January 1st may breed upon payment of the registration fee and a late payment fee.