An Act To Correct Errors and Inconsistencies in the Laws of Maine
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, acts of this and previous Legislatures have resulted in certain technical errors and inconsistencies in the laws of Maine; and
Whereas, these errors and inconsistencies create uncertainties and confusion in interpreting legislative intent; and
Whereas, it is vitally necessary that these uncertainties and this confusion be resolved in order to prevent any injustice or hardship to the citizens of Maine; 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,
PART A
Sec. A-1. 4 MRSA §1610-J, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. FF, §1 and reallocated by c. 288, Pt. A, §2, is reallocated to 4 MRSA §1610-K.
Sec. A-2. 4 MRSA §1805, sub-§7, ¶B-1, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §11, is amended to read:
Sec. A-3. 5 MRSA §1660-D, sub-§4, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 402, Pt. C, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. A-4. 5 MRSA §1812-D, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 585, Pt. C, §3 and amended by PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5, is amended to read:
§ 1812-D. Coordination of procurement information and policies
The Bureau of Purchases shall coordinate with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry , and the Department of Environmental Protection and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling to develop a central data base database of information including, but not limited to, procurement policies, market information, technical data and demonstration project results. This data shall must be compiled annually and provided to local public agencies by the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling Department of Environmental Protection.
Sec. A-5. 5 MRSA §13070-J, sub-§4, ¶A, as repealed by PL 2017, c. 211, Pt. E, §1 and amended by c. 264, §11, is repealed.
Sec. A-6. 5 MRSA §18653-A, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 88, §35, is amended to read:
§ 18653-A. Funds
All assets in the group life insurance program may be combined for investment purposes. The assets attributable to employers of participating local district participants in the group life insurance program may not be combined with the assets attributable to other group life insurance participants for benefit purposes. Premiums for retiree group life insurance coverage under section 18061 18661, subsection 2, and interest and dividends attributable to those premiums, may not be used to provide benefits for participants who are not retirees.
Sec. A-7. 7 MRSA §2902-A, sub-§3, as corrected by RR 1999, c. 1, §4, is amended to read:
Sec. A-8. 8 MRSA §263-A, sub-§1, ¶E, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 528, §6, is amended to read:
Sec. A-9. 8 MRSA §271, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2017, c. 231, §8, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-10. 8 MRSA §276-B, as amended by PL 2017, c. 231, §19, is further amended to read:
§ 276-B. Commercial track ceases operation; entitled to funds
Other than funds used exclusively to pay harness racing purses, a commercial track that ceases operation is entitled to distribution of all funds maintained by the State under this chapter based on the number of race days conducted by that commercial track up to and including the final racing race date conducted by that commercial track. Payments due from a commercial track that ceases operation to any in-state commercial track, agricultural fair or off-track wagering licensee must be made from the funds under this section prior to distribution to the commercial track that has ceased operation.
Sec. A-11. 8 MRSA §1003, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. IIIII, §1 and c. 303, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-12. 10 MRSA §1023-J, first ¶, as amended by PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. OOO, §1 and c. 657, Pt. W, §6, is further amended to read:
The Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is created. The fund must be deposited with and maintained by the Finance Authority of Maine. The fund must be administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in accordance with Title 7, chapter 101, subchapter 1-D. All money received by the Finance Authority of Maine from any source for the development and implementation of an improved agricultural marketing loan program must be credited to the fund. Any money credited to the fund from the issuance of bonds on behalf of the State for financing loans for agricultural enterprises may be used only for the following purposes: to provide assistance to agricultural enterprises in this State for the design, construction or improvement of commodity and storage buildings and packing and marketing facilities; for the purchase, construction or renovation of buildings, equipment, docks, wharves, piers or vessels used in connection with a commercial agricultural enterprise; for the purchase of land in connection with development of new cranberry acreage; for the purchase of land for irrigation reservoirs or to provide direct access to water for irrigation; for the purchase of land necessary for the start-up of a new agricultural enterprise; for the expansion of an existing agricultural enterprise when the land acquisition is necessary to comply with land use regulations; for the development of a business plan in accordance with the provisions of Title 7, section 436-A; for improvements to pastureland, including seeding and actions to promote rotational grazing; or, if the commissioner so approves at the time of loan insurance commitment, to pledge money in the fund as security for, and to apply money in the fund to, payment of principal, interest and other amounts due on any term loans insured by the Finance Authority of Maine to an eligible dairy farmer. Repayment of these loans and interest on these loans must be credited to the fund and may be used for the purposes stated in this section or Title 7, section 436. Interest earned on money in the fund and interest earned on loans made from the fund may be used to pay the administrative costs of processing loan applications and servicing and administering the fund and loans and grants made from the fund since the inception of the agricultural marketing loan program, to the extent that these costs exceed the fee for administrative costs established by Title 7, section 435, subsection 4.
Sec. A-13. 10 MRSA c. 229, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 178, §1 and c. 228, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
CHAPTER 229
GUARANTEED ASSET PROTECTION WAIVERS
§ 1500-H. Guaranteed asset protection waivers
(1) The lender in a loan or credit transaction;
(2) A person engaged as a retail seller of motor vehicles that provides credit to consumers, as defined in Title 9-A, section 1-301, subsection 10, of the motor vehicles, as long as that person complies with the provisions of this section;
(3) The seller in a commercial retail installment transaction; or
(4) The assignee of any of the persons in subparagraphs (1) to (4) to which the credit obligation is payable.
The superintendent may take action that is necessary or appropriate to enforce the provisions of this chapter and to protect borrowers who hold waivers in this State. In cases in which a credit union or financial institution authorized to do business in this State, as defined in Title 9-B, section 131, subsections 12-A and 17-A, is a creditor, the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is responsible for enforcement. After notice and opportunity for hearing, the superintendent may:
(1) An insurance policy or a guaranteed asset protection insurance policy offered by an insurer under Title 24-A; or
(2) A debt cancellation or debt suspension contract offered by a credit union or financial institution authorized to do business in this State, as defined in Title 9-B, section 131, subsections 12-A and 17-A, in compliance with 12 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 37 (2017) or 12 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 721 (2017) or other federal law.
Sec. A-14. 10 MRSA c. 231 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 231
POSING AS A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OR AGENT IN COMMERCE
§ 1500-L. Posing as a governmental entity or agent in commerce
Sec. A-15. 10 MRSA §1602, sub-§2, ¶A, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. E, §1 and affected by Pt. X, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. A-16. 10 MRSA §8001-A, sub-§9, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 450, §5, is amended to read:
Sec. A-17. 11 MRSA §10-105, sub-§(1), as enacted by PL 1977, c. 586, is amended to read:
Sec. A-18. 12 MRSA §541-A, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. QQ, §1, is further amended to read:
§ 541-A. Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources
The Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources is established within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is administered by the commissioner. The division consists of the Maine Geological Survey, referred to in this chapter as the "survey," and the Natural Areas Program. The director of the bureau Director of the Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning is the director of the survey.
Sec. A-19. 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2017, c. 100, §1 and c. 164, §3, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Each application must be accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection. An applicant for a license or permit under this section is subject to the provisions of this Part, including, but not limited to, a lottery or drawing system for issuing a particular license or permit. A permit or license issued under this subsection remains valid for the life of the permit or license holder, as long as the permit or license holder continues to remain a resident of this State or another state and the permit or license issued under this subsection is not revoked or suspended. For a nonresident to be eligible under this subsection, that nonresident's state must have a reciprocal agreement with this State.
Sec. A-20. 12 MRSA §10953, sub-§1-C, as amended by PL 2017, c. 164, §6 and c. 239, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-21. 15 MRSA §393, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2017, c. 206, §1 and c. 227, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-22. 17 MRSA §2276, as enacted by PL 1975, c. 739, §15, is repealed.
Sec. A-23. 20-A MRSA §1051, sub-§6, ¶D, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §3 and Pt. VVVVV, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-24. 20-A MRSA §6051, sub-§1, ¶K, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §10 and Pt. JJJJJJJ, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-25. 20-A MRSA §6051, sub-§1, ¶L, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §11 and Pt. JJJJJJJ, §3, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-26. 20-A MRSA §6051, sub-§1, ¶M is enacted to read:
Sec. A-27. 21-A MRSA §1001, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1995, c. 483, §1, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-28. 22 MRSA §1471-C, sub-§13-A, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 723, §3, is amended to read:
Sec. A-29. 22 MRSA §1715, sub-§1, as corrected by RR 2001, c. 2, Pt. A, §34, is amended to read:
(1) Imaging services, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, mammography and radiology. For purposes of this section, imaging services do not include:
(a) Screening procedures that are not related to the diagnosis or treatment of a specific condition; or
(b) Services when:
(i) The services are owned by a community health center, a physician or group of physicians;
(ii) The services are offered solely to the patients of that center, physician or group of physicians; and
(iii) Referrals for the purpose of performing those services are not accepted from other physicians;
(2) Laboratory services performed by a hospital or by a medical laboratory licensed in accordance with the Maine Medical Laboratory Commission, or licensed by an equivalent out-of-state licensing authority, excluding those licensed laboratories owned by community health centers, a physician or group of physicians where the laboratory services are offered solely to the patients of that center, physician or group of physicians;
(3) Cardiac diagnostic services, including, but not limited to, cardiac catheterization and angiography but excluding electrocardiograms and electrocardiograph stress testing;
(4) Lithotripsy services;
(5) Services provided by free-standing ambulatory surgery facilities certified to participate in the Medicare program; or
(6) Any other service performed in an out-patient setting requiring the purchase of medical equipment costing in the aggregate $500,000 or more and for which the charge per unit of service is $250 or more.
Sec. A-30. 22 MRSA §2842, sub-§§3 and 4, as amended by PL 2013, c. 31, §1, are further amended to read:
The medical examiner or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is responsible for the identity of the deceased and the time, date, place, cause, manner and circumstances of death on the death certificate. Entries may be left "pending" if further study is needed; or, at the specific direction of the Attorney General relative to cases under investigation by the Attorney General's office, entries must be left "withheld" until such time as the Attorney General, in the Attorney General's sole discretion, determines that any criminal investigation and prosecution will not be harmed by public disclosure of such information. Notwithstanding section 2706, subsection 4, unless directed otherwise by the Attorney General as specified in this subsection, this information for which the medical examiner is responsible may be made available to the general public by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Sec. A-31. 22 MRSA §2843-A, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2017, c. 38, §1 and by c. 70, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
If a person who has the right of custody and control under this subsection does not exercise the rights and responsibilities of custody and control within 4 days after the death of the subject, custody and control belong to a person from the next lower level of priority as established in paragraphs A to C.
If a person who has custody and control under this subsection does not complete decision making regarding final disposition within 30 days after taking custody and control, a funeral director or practitioner of funeral service who has physical possession of the remains or dead body may bury the remains or dead body at the expense of the funeral director or practitioner.
A person who has been charged with murder, as described in Title 17-A, section 201, or manslaughter, as described in Title 17-A, section 203, subsection 1, paragraph B, forfeits the right of custody and control provided under this subsection; and a funeral director or practitioner of funeral service who is aware of the charges may not release the remains or a dead body to that person who has been charged with murder or manslaughter. If the charges against the person are dismissed or the person is acquitted of the charges before the final disposition takes place, the person regains the right of custody and control in the same position of priority established in this subsection.
The remains or a dead body is considered abandoned if no one takes custody and control of the remains or dead body for a period of 15 days. A funeral director or practitioner of funeral service who has physical possession of abandoned remains or an abandoned dead body may bury or cremate the remains or dead body. The funeral director or practitioner of funeral service may embalm or refrigerate abandoned remains or an abandoned dead body without authorization. A certificate of abandonment that indicates the means of disposition must be filed in the municipality where the death occurred.
Sec. A-32. 22 MRSA §2942, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 601, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. A-33. 22 MRSA §3022, sub-§8, as repealed and replaced by PL 2001, c. 221, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. A-34. 22 MRSA §3022, sub-§14, as amended by PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §16, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-35. 22 MRSA §3023-A, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 113, §2, is amended to read:
§ 3023-A. Medicolegal death investigators; appointment; jurisdiction
The Chief Medical Examiner may appoint persons who are not physicians as medicolegal death investigators, who have statewide jurisdiction and serve at the pleasure of the Chief Medical Examiner, subject to the Chief Medical Examiner's control and rules adopted by the Chief Medical Examiner. Medicolegal death investigators must meet the certification and training requirements established by the Chief Medical Examiner and must be residents of this State. Medicolegal death investigators may be employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or serve on a fee-for-service basis as determined by the Chief Medical Examiner. A medicolegal death investigator before entering upon the duties of the office must be duly sworn to the faithful performance of the medicolegal death investigator's duty.
Sec. A-36. 22 MRSA §3028, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2013, c. 113, §8, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-37. 22 MRSA §3028-C, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 611, §8, is amended to read:
Sec. A-38. 22 MRSA §3782-A, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §19, is amended to read:
Sec. A-39. 23 MRSA §244-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2017, c. 295, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-40. 24-A MRSA §2546, as enacted by PL 1979, c. 442, §4, is amended to read:
§ 2546. Calculation of cash surrender values
For contracts which that provide cash surrender benefits, the cash surrender benefits available prior to maturity shall may not be less than the present value as of the date of surrender of that portion of the maturity value of the paid-up annuity benefit which that would be provided under the contract at maturity arising from considerations paid prior to the time of cash surrender reduced by the amount appropriate to reflect any prior withdrawals from or partial surrenders of the contract, the present value being calculated on the basis of an interest rate not more than 1% higher than the interest rate specified in the contract for accumulating the net considerations to determine the maturity value, decreased by the amount of any indebtedness to the insurer on the contract, including interest due and accrued, and increased by any existing additional amounts credited by the insurer to the contract. In no event shall may any cash surrender benefit be less that than the minimum nonforfeiture amount at that time. The death benefit under the contracts shall must be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit.
Sec. A-41. 24-A MRSA §4551, sub-§2, ¶A, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 129, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. A-42. 24-A MRSA §6304, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 931, §5, is amended to read:
Sec. A-43. 26 MRSA §938, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 294, §§2 and 3, is amended to read:
§ 938. Advertising or soliciting for workers during strike or disturbance; exceptions; penalty
If any employer, during the continuance of a strike among his the employer's employees, or during the continuance of a lockout or other labor trouble among his the employer's employees, publicly advertises in newspapers, or by posters or otherwise, for employees, or by himself directly or his through the employer's agents solicits persons to work for him the employer to fill the places of strikers, he the employer shall plainly and explicitly mention in the advertisements or oral or written solicitations that a strike, lockout or other labor disturbance exists. If any employee, during the continuance of a strike, lockout or other labor trouble , advertises for or solicits business for a competitor of the employers employer that is engaged in the labor dispute, he the employee shall plainly and explicitly mention in the advertisement or oral or written solicitations solicitation that a strike, lockout or other labor disturbance exists. This section shall cease ceases to be operative if the board determines that the business of the employer, in respect to which the strike or other labor trouble occurred, is being carried on in the normal and usual manner and to the normal and usual extent. The board shall determine this question as soon as possible , upon the application of the employer. Any person, firm, association or corporation who that violates this section shall must be punished by a fine not less that than $250 nor more than $500.
Sec. A-44. 26 MRSA §1192, sub-§6-E, as amended by PL 2017, c. 110, §8 and c. 117, §4, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-45. 26 MRSA §1198, sub-§2, ¶J, as amended by PL 2017, c. 110, §9 and c. 117, §11, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
Sec. A-46. 29-A MRSA §201, sub-§3, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
Sec. A-47. 29-A MRSA §1405, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2017, c. 27, §4 and affected by §10 and amended by c. 229, §27, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
This subsection is repealed July 1, 2019.
Sec. A-48. 29-A MRSA §1405, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:
Sec. A-49. Effective date. That section of this Act that enacts the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 1405, subsection 3-A takes effect July 1, 2019.
Sec. A-50. 30-A MRSA §701, sub-§2-C, as amended by PL 2017, c. 281, §1 and c. 284, Pt. V, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
The assessment to municipalities within each county may not be less than the base assessment limit, which is:
Sec. A-51. 32 MRSA §91-B, sub-§2, ¶G, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 271, §19, is amended to read:
Sec. A-52. 32 MRSA §1202-A, sub-§5, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 198, §17, is amended to read:
(1) A limited electrician in water pumps must provide evidence of having completed at least 135 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 2,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in water pumps is restricted to performing electrical work between the branch circuit overcurrent device, the water pump and associated controls.
(2) A limited electrician in outdoor signs, including sign lighting, must provide evidence of having completed at least 135 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 2,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. The scope of this license does not include branch circuit wiring.
(3) A limited electrician in gasoline dispensing must provide evidence of having completed at least 135 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 2,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in gasoline dispensers dispensing is restricted to performing electrical work between the branch circuit overcurrent device, the dispenser and associated controls.
(4) A limited electrician in traffic signals, including outdoor lighting of traffic signals, must provide evidence of having completed at least 135 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 2,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in traffic signals is restricted to performing electrical work on traffic signals, including outdoor lighting of traffic signals and the traffic signal electrical service.
(5) A limited electrician in house wiring must provide evidence of having completed at least 225 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 4,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in house wiring is restricted to performing electrical work in one-family dwellings and 2-family dwellings, including manufactured homes.
(6) A limited electrician in refrigeration must provide evidence of having completed at least 270 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 6,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. Graduates of a community college electrical program in refrigeration approved by the board or from an accredited institution are credited with 4,000 hours of work experience upon graduation. A limited electrician in refrigeration is restricted to performing electrical work between the branch circuit overcurrent device, the refrigeration equipment and associated controls.
(7) A limited electrician in low-energy electronics, including fire alarms, must provide evidence of having completed at least 270 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 4,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in low-energy electronics is restricted to performing electrical work on low-energy electronics as supplied by Class I, II and III limited energy systems, all fire alarm systems and the dedicated branch circuit wiring.
(8) A limited electrician in crane wiring must provide evidence of having completed at least 135 hours of electrical education as approved by the board or from an accredited institution and provide evidence of 2,000 hours of work experience approved by the board in rules. A limited electrician in crane wiring is restricted to the installation of electrical equipment and wiring used in connection with cranes, monorail hoists, hoists and runways.
Sec. A-53. 32 MRSA §6214-D, sub-§1, ¶D, as amended by PL 2017, c. 265, §3, is further amended to read:
(1) Complete 2,000 hours of documented supervised practice in alcohol and drug counseling as a certified alcohol and drug counselor;
(2) Possess an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in clinically based behavioral sciences or addiction counseling or a related field as defined by board rule, complete course work as defined by board rule and complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of documented supervised practice in alcohol and drug counseling, except that an applicant who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that meets the requirements of this subparagraph and who has completed at least 18 credit hours of course work in addiction counseling need only complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of documented supervised practice in alcohol and drug counseling; or
(3) Possess a master's degree from an accredited college or university in clinically based behavioral sciences or addiction counseling or a related field as defined by board rule, complete course work as defined by board rule and complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of documented supervised practice in alcohol and drug counseling, except that an applicant who holds a master's degree from an accredited college or university that meets the requirements of this subparagraph and who has completed at least 12 credit hours of course work in addiction counseling need only complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of documented supervised practice in alcohol and drug counseling.
Sec. A-54. 32 MRSA §7054-A, 3rd ¶, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 736, §14, is amended to read:
Any person certified by the board prior to the effective date of this section or under former section 7054 as a certified social worker and who engages in the independent practice of social work pursuant to former section 7052 shall must be licensed as a "certified social worker - independent practice" and may continue to practice social work as previously authorized. This person has the option to be licensed as a "licensed master social worker" without further examination if the person has a masters' master's degree in social work or social welfare.
Sec. A-55. 32 MRSA §18515, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 253, §7, is amended to read:
Sec. A-56. 33 MRSA §479-C, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. TT, §1, is further amended to read:
§ 479-C. Conservation lands registry
A holder of a conservation easement or a fee owner of land for conservation purposes that is organized or doing business in the State shall annually report to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry the book and page number at the registry of deeds for each conservation easement that it holds or each parcel owned in fee for conservation purposes, the municipality, the approximate number of acres protected under each easement or parcel owned, the approximate number of acres that are exempt from taxation pursuant to Title 36, section 652 for which the municipality or county does not receive payments in lieu of taxes and such other information as the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry determines necessary to fulfill the purposes of this subchapter. The filing must be made by a date and on forms established by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to avoid duplicative filings when possible and otherwise reduce administrative burdens. The annual filing must be accompanied by a an $80 fee. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall maintain a permanent record of the registration and report to the Attorney General any failure of a holder of a conservation easement disclosed by the filing or otherwise known to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The fees established under this section must be held by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in a nonlapsing, special account to defray the costs of maintaining the registry and carrying out its duties under this section.
Sec. A-57. 34-B MRSA §1207, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2017, c. 147, §6, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-58. 34-B MRSA §1207, sub-§1, ¶B-3, as amended by PL 2017, c. 93, §1 and repealed by c. 147, §7, is repealed.
Sec. A-59. 35-A MRSA §7104-C, sub-§2, ¶I, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 600, §7 and affected by §10, is amended to read:
(1) The portion of the remitted prepaid wireless fees attributable to the E-9-1-1 surcharge imposed by Title 25, section 2927, subsection 1-H 1-F is deposited in a separate account;
(2) The portion of the remitted prepaid wireless fees attributable to the fee imposed under section 7104, subsection 3-A is deposited in the state universal service fund established pursuant to section 7104, subsection 3; and
(3) The portion of the remitted prepaid wireless fees attributable to the fee imposed under section 7104-B, subsection 2-A is deposited in the telecommunications education access fund established under section 7104-B, subsection 2.
Sec. A-60. 36 MRSA §191, sub-§2, ¶CCC, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 211, Pt. A, §9, is amended to read:
Sec. A-61. 36 MRSA §691, sub-§1, ¶A, as amended by PL 2017, c. 170, Pt. B, §7 and c. 211, Pt. A, §10, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
"Eligible business equipment" does not include:
(1) Office furniture, including, without limitation, tables, chairs, desks, bookcases, filing cabinets and modular office partitions;
(2) Lamps and lighting fixtures used primarily for the purpose of providing general purpose office or worker lighting;
(3) Property owned or used by an excluded person;
(4) Telecommunications personal property subject to the tax imposed by section 457;
(5) Gambling machines or devices, including any device, machine, paraphernalia or equipment that is used or usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity as that term is defined in Title 8, section 1001, subsection 15, whether that activity consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person involving the playing of a machine. "Gambling machines or devices" includes, without limitation:
(a) Associated equipment as defined in Title 8, section 1001, subsection 2;
(b) Computer equipment used directly and primarily in the operation of a slot machine as defined in Title 8, section 1001, subsection 39;
(c) An electronic video machine as defined in Title 17, section 1831, subsection 4;
(d) Equipment used in the playing phases of lottery schemes; and
(e) Repair and replacement parts of a gambling machine or device;
(6) Property located at a retail sales facility and used primarily in a retail sales activity unless the property is owned by a business that operates a retail sales facility in the State exceeding 100,000 square feet of interior customer selling space that is used primarily for retail sales and whose Maine-based operations derive less than 30% of their total annual revenue on a calendar year basis from sales that are made at a retail sales facility located in the State. For purposes of this subparagraph, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) "Primarily" means more than 50% of the time;
(b) "Retail sales activity" means an activity associated with the selection and retail purchase of goods or rental of tangible personal property. "Retail sales activity" does not include production as defined in section 1752, subsection 9-B; and
(c) "Retail sales facility" means a structure used to serve customers who are physically present at the facility for the purpose of selection and retail purchase of goods or rental of tangible personal property. "Retail sales facility" does not include a separate structure that is used as a warehouse or call center facility;
(7) Property that is not entitled to an exemption by reason of the additional limitations imposed by subsection 2; or
(8) Personal property that would otherwise be entitled to exemption under this subchapter used primarily to support a telecommunications antenna used by a telecommunications business subject to the tax imposed by section 457.
Sec. A-62. 36 MRSA §5283-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. AAAA, §2 and Pt. DDDD, §2, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
This subsection does not apply to a contribution checkoff that has been on the individual income tax form for less than one year.
Sec. A-63. 37-B MRSA §3, sub-§1, ¶D, as amended by PL 2017, c. 108, §1 and amended by c. 114, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
(1) The Adjutant General shall administer the department subordinate only to the Governor.
(2) The Adjutant General shall establish methods of administration consistent with the law necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
(3) The Adjutant General may prepare a budget for the department.
(4) The Adjutant General may transfer personnel from one bureau to another within the department.
(5) The Adjutant General shall supervise the preparation of all state informational reports required by the federal military establishment.
(6) The Adjutant General shall keep an accurate account of expenses incurred and, in accordance with Title 5, sections 43 to 46, make a full report to the Governor as to the condition of the military forces, and as to all business transactions of the Military Bureau, including detailed statements of expenditures for military purposes.
(7) The Adjutant General is responsible for the custody, care and repair of all military property belonging to or issued to the State for the military forces and shall dispose of military property belonging to the State that is unserviceable. The Adjutant General shall account for and deposit the proceeds from that disposal with the Treasurer of State, who shall credit them to the Capital Repair, Maintenance, Construction and Acquisition Account of the Military Bureau.
(8) The Adjutant General may sell for cash to officers of the state military forces, for their official use, and to organizations of the state military forces, any military or naval property that is the property of the State. The Adjutant General shall, with an annual report, render to the Governor an accurate account of the sales and deposit the proceeds of the sales with the Treasurer of State, who shall credit them to the General Fund.
(9) The Adjutant General shall represent the state military forces for the purpose of establishing the relationship between the federal military establishment and the various state military staff departments.
(10) The Adjutant General shall accept, receive and administer federal funds for and on behalf of the State that are available for military purposes or that would further the intent and specific purposes of this chapter and chapter 3. The Adjutant General shall provide the personnel, supplies, services and matching funds required by a federal cost-sharing arrangement pursuant to 31 United States Code, Chapters 63 and 65 (2013); 32 United States Code (2013); and National Guard Regulation 5-1 (2010). The Adjutant General shall receive funds and property and an accounting for all expenditures and property acquired through such a federal cost-sharing arrangement and make returns and reports concerning those expenditures and that property as required by such a federal cost-sharing arrangement.
(11) The Adjutant General shall acquire, construct, operate and maintain military facilities necessary to comply with this Title and Title 32 of the United States Code and shall operate and maintain facilities now within or hereafter coming within the jurisdiction of the Military Bureau.
(12) The Adjutant General may adopt rules pertaining to compliance with state and federal contracting requirements, subject to Title 5, chapter 375. Those rules must provide for approval of contracts by the appropriate state agency.
(13) The Adjutant General shall allocate and supervise any funds made available by the Legislature to the Civil Air Patrol.
(14) The Adjutant General shall report at the beginning of each biennium to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over veterans' affairs on any recommended changes or modifications to the laws governing veterans' affairs, particularly as those changes or modifications relate to changes in federal veterans' laws. The report must include information on the status of communications with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the potential health risks to and the potential disabilities of veterans who as members of the Maine National Guard were exposed to environmental hazards at the Canadian military support base in Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada.
(15) The Adjutant General may receive personal property from the United States Department of Defense that the Secretary of Defense has determined is suitable for use by agencies in law enforcement activities, including counter-drug activities, and in excess of the needs of the Department of Defense pursuant to 10 United States Code, Section 2576a, and transfer ownership of that personal property to state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies notwithstanding any other provision of law. The Adjutant General may receive excess personal property from the United States Department of Defense for use by the department, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(16) The Adjutant General may establish a science, mathematics and technology education improvement program for schoolchildren known as the STARBASE Program. The Adjutant General may accept financial assistance and in-kind assistance, advances, grants, gifts, contributions and other forms of financial assistance from the Federal Government or other public body or from other sources, public or private, to implement the STARBASE Program. The Adjutant General may employ a director and other employees, permanent or temporary, to operate the STARBASE Program.
(17) The Adjutant General shall establish a system, to be administered by the Director of the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services, to express formally condolence and appreciation to the closest surviving family members of members of the United States Armed Forces who, since September 11, 2001, are killed in action or die as a consequence of injuries that result in the award of a Purple Heart medal. In accordance with the existing criteria of the department for the awarding of gold star medals, this system must provide for the Adjutant General to issue up to 3 gold star medals to family members who reside in the State, one to the spouse of the deceased service member and one to the parents of the service member. If the parents of the service member are divorced, the Adjutant General may issue one medal to each parent. If the service member has no surviving spouse or parents or if they live outside of the State, the Adjutant General may issue a gold star medal to the service member's next of kin, as reported to the department, who resides in the State.
(18) The Adjutant General may establish a National Guard Youth Challenge Program consistent with 32 United States Code, Section 509 (1990). The Adjutant General may accept financial assistance from the Federal Government or other public body or from other sources, public and private, to implement the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. The Adjutant General may employ a director and other employees, permanent or temporary, to operate the program.
(19) The Adjutant General may execute cooperative agreements for purposes described or defined by this Title and other arrangements necessary to operate the department.
(20) The Adjutant General shall act as the Governor's homeland security advisor.
(21) The Adjutant General shall implement a program to identify residents of the State who are not considered veterans but are military retirees or former members of the Maine Army National Guard or Maine Air National Guard who successfully completed service.
(22) The Adjutant General may negotiate and execute agreements to provide state military forces to or accept military forces from other states in support of federally funded National Guard missions.
(23) The Adjutant General may provide logistical and administrative support to military welfare societies as defined in 10 United States Code, Section 1033(b)(2) in the performance of their functions and to state military welfare societies as defined in section 101-A, subsection 3 in the performance of their functions to provide relief directly to members of the Maine National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard and to facilitate the distribution of emergency financial relief in accordance with section 158.
Sec. A-64. 37-B MRSA §851, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 146, §18, is amended to read:
The director, in consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within that department and other agencies as appropriate, shall prepare a plan for the recovery, identification and disposition of human remains in a disaster. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is responsible for execution of the plan, and all members of the emergency management forces shall cooperate and assist the office in executing the plan.
Sec. A-65. 38 MRSA §469, sub-§1, ¶D-1, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 137, Pt. B, §16, is amended to read:
(1) Tidal waters of the Town of Long Island located within the area described by the following points: from a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 05'-00" W.; thence running due west to a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 08'-52" W.; thence running northwesterly to a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-27" N., longitude 70º - 08'-58" W.; thence running northeasterly to a point located at latitude 43º - 40'-08" N., longitude 70º - 07'-03" W.; thence running southeasterly to point of beginning - Class SA.
Sec. A-66. 38 MRSA §469, sub-§1, ¶E, as amended by PL 2017, c. 137, Pt. B, §16, is further amended to read:
(1) Tidal waters of the City of Portland located within the area described by the following points: from a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 01'-28" W.; thence running due west to a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 05'-00" W.; thence running northwesterly to a point located at latitude 43º - 40'-08" N., longitude 70º - 07'-03" W.; thence running northeasterly to a point located at latitude 43º - 41'-17" N., longitude 70º - 05'-43" W.; thence running southeasterly to point of beginning - Class SA.
(2) Tidal waters of the City of Portland lying westerly of a line beginning at Spring Point Light in South Portland to the easternmost point of Fort Gorges Island, thence running northerly to the southernmost point of Mackworth Island - Class SC.
(3) Tidal waters of the City of Portland located within the area described by the following points: from a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 08'-52" W.; thence running due west to a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-21" N., longitude 70º - 09'-06" W.; thence running northeasterly to a point located at latitude 43º - 38'-27" N., longitude 70º - 08'-58" W.; thence running southeasterly to point of beginning - Class SA.
Sec. A-67. 38 MRSA §1362, sub-§1, ¶A, as amended by PL 1987, c. 517, §29, is further amended to read:
Sec. A-68. PL 2017, c. 2, Pt. P, §1 is amended to read:
Sec. P-1. Establishment of Opioid Health Home Program. The Opioid Home Health Home Program, referred to in this Part as "the program," is established within the Department of Health and Human Services. The department shall determine criteria to allow a provider to qualify as an opioid health home and to obtain funding from the department. As used in this section, "opioid health home" means a provider of services based on an integrated care delivery model focused on whole-person treatment including, but not limited to, counseling, care coordination, medication-assisted treatment, peer support and medical consultation, for individuals who have been diagnosed with an opioid addiction and who are also:
1. Uninsured;
2. MaineCare members; or
3. Uninsured and MaineCare-eligible.
The department shall establish by emergency rule pursuant to section 5 of this Part the criteria for qualification as an opioid health home and the payment structure to support each qualified opioid health home.
Sec. A-69. PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. FF, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. FF-2. Maine Governmental Facilities Authority; issuance of securities. Pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 4, section 1606, subsection 2 and section 1610-J 1610-K, and notwithstanding the limitation contained in Title 4, section 1606, subsection 2 regarding the amount of securities that may be issued, the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority is authorized to issue securities in its own name in an amount up to $30,000,000. Proceeds must be used for the purpose of paying the costs associated with capital repairs and improvements to and construction of state-owned facilities and with hazardous waste cleanup on state-owned properties as designated by the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services.
PART B
Sec. B-1. 32 MRSA §2180, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 258, Pt. A, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. B-2. 36 MRSA §191, sub-§2, ¶BBB, as enacted by PL 2015, c. 490, §4, is amended to read:
PART C
Sec. C-1. 5 MRSA §1764-A, sub-§2, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 497, §1 and affected by §5, is amended to read:
Sec. C-2. 5 MRSA §10004, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1977, c. 694, §38, is amended to read:
The revocation, suspension or refusal to renew a license for a violation described in this subsection may not continue for more than 30 days; or
Sec. C-3. 20-A MRSA §15908-A, sub-§2, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 497, §2 and affected by §5, is amended to read:
Sec. C-4. 20-A MRSA §16101, sub-§2, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read:
Sec. C-5. 20-A MRSA §16102, sub-§1, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read:
Sec. C-6. 20-A MRSA §16102, sub-§2, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read:
Sec. C-7. 22 MRSA §2660-U, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 230, §3, is amended to read:
§ 2660-U. Fees
The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory established in section 565 shall collect a fee not to exceed $10 from a person or entity ordering a water test for a water sample from a residential private drinking water well. The fees collected must be credited to the Private Well Safe Drinking Water Fund established in section 2660-W and used for the purpose of increasing testing of residential private drinking water wells. The department shall establish by rule a percentage of the fee to be directed toward administrative costs for collecting data from private laboratories. If more than one test of a water sample from the same residential private drinking water well is conducted, the department may waive payment of a fee established under this section for a one-year period. A fee collected under this section is in addition to any fee charged by the department pursuant to section 2602-A, subsection 2.
Sec. C-8. 28-A MRSA §121, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1993, c. 608, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. C-9. 30-A MRSA §2528, sub-§4, ¶D, as amended by PL 1993, c. 608, §6, is further amended to read:
(1) If an objection is made, the clerk shall immediately notify the candidate affected by it.
(2) The municipal officers shall determine objections arising in the case of nominations. Their decision is final.
Sec. C-10. 30-A MRSA §2528, sub-§6-A, ¶¶A and B, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 608, §8, are amended to read:
Sec. C-11. 34-B MRSA §3805, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 459, §7, is amended to read:
Sec. C-12. PL 2017, c. 88, §39 is repealed.
PART D
Sec. D-1. 32 MRSA §§14041 to 14049-J, as repealed by 32 MRSA §14049-K, sub-§1, are reenacted to read:
§ 14041. Short title
This chapter may be known and cited as "the Appraisal Management Company Licensing Act."
§ 14042. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
"Appraisal management company" does not include a department or division of an entity that provides appraisal management services only to that entity.
(1) Providing administrative services;
(2) Receiving appraisal orders and appraisal reports;
(3) Submitting completed appraisal reports to creditors and secondary market participants;
(4) Collecting fees from creditors and secondary market participants for services provided; and
(5) Paying appraisers for services performed; and
§ 14043. License required
§ 14044. License renewal
A license expires on the date set by the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation pursuant to Title 10, section 8003, subsection 4 for the licensing period for which the license was issued. A license may be renewed upon receipt of an application for renewal and payment of the renewal fee as set under section 14045. Licenses may be renewed up to 90 days after the date of expiration upon payment of a late fee, as set under section 14045.
The board shall deny a renewal license to any applicant whose license has lapsed for more than 90 days unless the applicant satisfies the provisions governing new applicants under this subchapter.
§ 14045. Fees
§ 14046. Owner requirements
§ 14047. Controlling persons
§ 14048. Employee requirements
An appraisal management company that is licensed or applies for a license or renewal of a license may not:
§ 14049. Denial of license
In addition to the grounds enumerated in Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A, paragraph A, the board may deny a license, refuse to renew a license or impose the disciplinary sanctions authorized by Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A for:
§ 14049-A. Appraiser panel
For the purpose of determining whether within a 12-month period an appraisal management company oversees an appraiser panel of more than 15 state-certified or state-licensed appraisers in a state or 25 or more certified or licensed appraisers in 2 or more states and therefore qualifies as an appraisal management company pursuant to this chapter, the following provisions apply.
§ 14049-B. Appraiser engagement
Prior to placing an appraisal assignment with an appraiser on an appraiser panel, an appraisal management company shall verify that the appraiser receiving the appraisal assignment is licensed under chapter 124.
§ 14049-C. Appraisal review
An employee of or independent contractor to an appraisal management company who performs an appraisal review for real property located in this State must be licensed under chapter 124.
§ 14049-D. Appraisal management company operational and record-keeping requirements
An appraisal management company licensed under this chapter shall make all records required to be maintained by the appraisal management company available for inspection by the board upon reasonable notice to the appraisal management company.
§ 14049-E. Compensation of appraisers
An appraisal management company shall compensate appraisers in accordance with the appraisal independence standards established under the federal Truth in Lending Act, 15 United States Code, Section 1639e (2016) and its implementing regulations, 12 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1026.42 (2016). Except in cases of breach of contract or substandard performance of an appraisal service, an appraisal management company shall make payment to an appraiser for the completion of an appraisal service within 45 days of the date on which the appraiser transmits or otherwise provides the results of the completed appraisal service to the appraisal management company.
§ 14049-F. Statement of fees
When reporting fees to a client, an appraisal management company shall separately indicate the fees paid to an appraiser for the completion of an appraisal service and the fees charged by the appraisal management company to the client for appraisal management services.
§ 14049-G. Prohibited practices
(1) Altering or removing the signature or seal of the appraiser; or
(2) Adding information to, removing information from or changing information contained in the results of the completed appraisal service, including any disclosure authorized by this chapter submitted by an appraiser in or with the appraisal report;
(1) There is a reasonable basis to believe that the initial appraisal was flawed or tainted and that basis is clearly and appropriately noted in the loan file;
(2) The subsequent appraisal or automated valuation model is done under a bona fide prefunding or postfunding appraisal review or quality control process; or
(3) The subsequent appraisal or automated valuation model is otherwise required or permitted by federal or state law;
(1) Complete an appraisal service if the appraiser determines the appraiser does not have the necessary expertise for the specific geographic area, the appraiser has notified the company of that determination and the appraiser has declined the assignment;
(2) Prepare an appraisal report under a schedule that the appraiser believes does not afford the appraiser the ability to meet all the relevant legal and professional obligations if the appraiser has notified the company of that belief and has declined the assignment;
(3) Provide the appraisal management company with the digital signature or seal of the appraiser;
(4) Modify any aspect of an appraisal report without the agreement of the appraiser that the modification is appropriate;
(5) Engage in any act or practice that does not comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
(6) Engage in any act or practice that does not comply with any assignment conditions and certifications required by a client;
(7) Engage in any act or practice that impairs or attempts to impair the independence, objectivity or impartiality of an appraiser;
(8) Enter into an agreement to not serve on the appraiser panel of another appraisal management company;
(9) Indemnify or hold harmless the appraisal management company against liability except liability for errors and omissions by the appraiser; or
(10) Pay a fee imposed on the appraisal management company by the federal appraisal subcommittee.
(1) Consider additional appropriate property information, including the consideration of additional comparable properties to make or support an appraisal;
(2) Provide further detail, substantiation or explanation of the appraiser's conclusion regarding values; or
(3) Correct errors in the appraisal report;
§ 14049-H. Mandatory reporting
An appraisal management company that has a reasonable basis to believe an appraiser is failing to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice in a manner that materially affects the conclusion of value contained in an appraisal report, is violating applicable laws or is otherwise engaging in unethical or unprofessional conduct shall refer the matter to the board.
§ 14049-I. Appraiser panel management
Except within the first 30 days after an appraiser is added to an appraiser panel, an appraisal management company may not remove an appraiser from its appraiser panel or otherwise refuse to assign requests for real estate appraisal services to an appraiser without notifying the appraiser in writing and identifying the reasons why the appraiser is being removed from the appraiser panel and providing an opportunity for the appraiser to respond to the notification.
§ 14049-J. Board powers
The board may:
Sec. D-2. Maine Revised Statutes headnote reenacted. In the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, chapter 124-A, chapter headnote, the words "appraisal management company licensing" are reenacted and the Revisor of Statutes shall implement this revision when updating, publishing or republishing the statutes.
Sec. D-3. Licenses in effect on March 14, 2018; applications submitted on or before March 14, 2018. A license issued to an appraisal management company by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Board of Real Estate Appraisers and in effect on March 14, 2018 remains in effect until the date of expiration specified in the license. The board shall review and approve or deny an application for an appraisal management company license that was submitted to the board with the required fee on or before March 14, 2018 and that was not finally acted upon before March 15, 2018.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.