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An Act To Amend the Hunting Laws as They Pertain to the Training of Dogs
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 expands the area in which dogs may be trained for hunting in this State; and
Whereas,  the season for training hunting dogs begins July 1st, and this legislation needs to take effect by that date in order that residents may take advantage of the expanded training area this year; 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Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §12051, sub-§1, ¶C, as repealed and replaced by PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §16, is amended to read:
 
C. A resident may train up to 6 dogs at any one time on bear from July 1st to the 4th day preceding the open season on hunting bear, except in those portions of Washington County and Hancock County that are situated south of Route 9.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill removes the prohibition on training hunting dogs on bear in those portions of Washington County and Hancock County that are situated south of Route 9.