128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1767		LR 2809(03)
	Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 11.14:  Atlantic Sea Scallop Limited Entry Program, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Marine Resources
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Engrossed with: C "A" (H-632)
	Committee: Marine Resources
Fiscal Note
Minor revenue increase - General Fund Minor revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds Minor cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill would authorize the final adoption of Department of Marine Resources (DMR) rules related to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Limited Entry Program. Under the current rules, only individuals who held a license in the prior calendar year are eligible for a license renewal and no new individuals are allowed to be licensed. This relates to both commercial scallop drag licenses and commercial scallop diver licenses. The proposed rule changes would establish a lottery system to allow new individuals to enter the fishery. For commercial scallop drag licenses 2 license entries will be allowed for every 3 license exits. For commercial scallop diver licenses one license entry will be allowed for every one license exit. This will result in minor General Fund and Other Special Revenue Funds revenue increases. Any additional costs to DMR as a result of the final rule adoption are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.