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An Act To Amend the Requirement for a Certificate of Title for Junk and Scrap Automobiles and Vehicles
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  properly disposing of automobiles that have reached the end of their useful lives is in the best interest of Maine's environment and aesthetics; and
Whereas,  the inconsistency between Maine and neighboring jurisdictions in the certificate of title requirements for automobiles destined for junk and scrap metal disposal has caused a loss of employment and income to Maine residents and income tax revenue to the State; and
Whereas,  to reduce the loss of employment, income and revenue, it is imperative that this legislation take effect as soon as possible; 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. 29-A MRSA §652, sub-§13, as amended by PL 2009, c. 435, §10, is further amended to read:
 
13. Certain automobiles and commercial vehicles.  AutomobilesExcept as provided in subsection 13-A, automobiles and all over-the-road commercial vehicles with a model year prior to 1995, except when the Secretary of State determines it is in the best interest of the State and the applicant to issue a title to a vehicle with a model year prior to 1995;
Sec. 2.  29-A MRSA §652, sub-§13-A  is enacted to read:
 
13-A.  Junk and scrap automobiles and commercial vehicles.     Automobiles and all over-the-road commercial vehicles that are more than 15 years old, as determined by the model year, and that are being transferred for junk or scrap;
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
Current law exempts automobiles and vehicles older than model year 1995 from the requirement to have a certificate of title, except when the Secretary of State determines it is in the best interest of the State and the applicant to issue a title to such a vehicle. This bill adds an exemption for a vehicle more than 15 years old being transferred for junk or scrap.