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An Act To Encourage Tourism by Ensuring the Safety, Accessibility and Availability of Highway Rest Stops and Scenic Overlooks
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  23 MRSA c. 15, sub-c. 3  is enacted to read:
SUBCHAPTER 3
REST AREAS
§ 1411. Loitering prohibited at rest areas
 
1.  Loitering prohibited.   A person may not loiter or remain longer than necessary to use the facilities at any rest area maintained by the Department of Transportation or the Maine Turnpike Authority.
 
For purposes of this subsection, "loiter" does not include sleeping in a motor vehicle as defined by Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 42.
 
2.  Posting.   The Department of Transportation or the Maine Turnpike Authority shall cause a copy of the prohibition in subsection 1 to be posted in a conspicuous place at all rest areas maintained by the department or the Maine Turnpike Authority.
 
3.  Violation.   A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for a 2nd or subsequent offense must be imposed.
Sec. 2. Rest areas reopened; Sidney and Pittsfield. The Department of Transportation shall reopen and maintain previously closed rest areas on Interstate 95 southbound in the Town of Sidney and on Interstate 95 southbound and northbound in the Town of Pittsfield.
Sec. 3. Scenic overlook in Medway; winter maintenance. The Department of Transportation shall open and maintain for public use year-round, including but not limited to snow removal, the scenic overlook on Interstate 95 northbound in the Town of Medway.
 
SUMMARY
The bill prohibits loitering at rest areas maintained by the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority. The bill requires that rest areas on Interstate 95 located in Pittsfield and Sidney be reopened. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to open and maintain the scenic overlook in the Town of Medway on Interstate 95 northbound, which overlooks Mount Katahdin.