Resolve, To Create the Commission To Study the Needs, Opportunities and Efficiencies Associated with the Production of Salmonid Sport Fish in Maine

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission To Study the Needs, Opportunities and Efficiencies Associated with the Production of Salmonid Sport Fish in Maine, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of the following 11 members:

1. Two members of the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, one member appointed by the President of the Senate and one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;

2. Two licensed anglers, one member appointed by the President of the Senate and one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. The Superintendent of Hatcheries within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the superintendent's designee;

4. One fisheries biologist within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;

5. One member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council, appointed by the council;

6. One member representing a fish and game organization, appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;

7. One member of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, nominated by the executive director of that organization and appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;

8. One member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, nominated by the executive director of that organization and appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and

9. One representative of the Maine aquaculture industry, nominated by the Maine Aquaculture Association and appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and be it further

Sec. 3. Appointments; meetings. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities must notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council upon making their appointments. When the appointment of all members is complete, the chair of the Legislative Council shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission no later than October 16, 2017. The commission shall select a chair from among its legislative members; and be it further

Sec. 4. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study, assess and evaluate salmonid fish culture facilities in the State and the associated production and distribution capabilities, opportunities, needs and contributions to the economy of the State. In carrying out this study, the commission shall develop recommendations regarding the production of salmonid sport fish in the State; and be it further

Sec. 5. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 6. Reimbursement. Resolved: That the members of the commission are entitled to reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses upon application to the Legislative Council. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall administer the commission's budget; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit a report with its recommendations, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife no later than January 30, 2018; and be it further

Sec. 8. Prohibition. Resolved: That the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may not make an expenditure of over $150,000 to repair or upgrade its salmonid fish hatcheries until the report under section 7 is received and its recommendations acted upon.

summary

This resolve creates the Commission To Study the Needs, Opportunities and Efficiencies Associated with the Production of Salmonid Sport Fish in Maine. The commission is required to submit its report and any accompanying legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by January 30, 2018. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is prohibited from making any expenditure of over $150,000 to repair or upgrade its salmonid fish hatcheries until the report is received and its recommendations acted upon.