An Act To Amend the Requirement for a Certificate of Title for Junk and Scrap Automobiles and Vehicles

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

Whereas,  properly disposing of automobiles that have reached the end of their useful lives is in the best interest of Maine's environment and aesthetics; and

Whereas,  the inconsistency between Maine and neighboring jurisdictions in the certificate of title requirements for automobiles destined for junk and scrap metal disposal has caused a loss of employment and income to Maine residents and income tax revenue to the State; and

Whereas,  to reduce the loss of employment, income and revenue, it is imperative that this legislation take effect as soon as possible; 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. 29-A MRSA §652, sub-§13,  as amended by PL 2009, c. 435, §10, is further amended to read:

Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §652, sub-§13-A  is enacted to read:

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

SUMMARY

Current law exempts automobiles and vehicles older than model year 1995 from the requirement to have a certificate of title, except when the Secretary of State determines it is in the best interest of the State and the applicant to issue a title to such a vehicle. This bill adds an exemption for a vehicle more than 15 years old being transferred for junk or scrap.