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An Act To Protect Beaches in Maine's State Parks
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the 2009 summer recreational season begins; 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,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1580-E  is enacted to read:
§ 1580-E.  Smoking on beaches
 
1.  Smoking prohibited.     A person may not smoke tobacco or any other substance on the beach of a state park. For purposes of this subsection, "state park" has the same meaning as "park," as defined in Title 12, section 1801, subsection 7.
 
2.  Smoking defined.     "Smoking" means carrying or having in one's possession a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe, or other object used for a similar purpose, giving off or containing any substance giving off smoke.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits smoking on the beaches in Maine's state parks.