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An Act Regarding the Confidentiality of Information in the Animal Welfare Laws
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3909, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. C, §1, is amended to read:
 
6. Confidential information.   The names of and other identifying information about persons providing information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the department are confidential information and may not be released.
 
The names of and other identifying information about persons who have contracted with or been hired by an entity for the purpose of filming or recording business operations of another entity to provide information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the department are not confidential information and may be released.
Sec. 2. 17 MRSA §1023, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. C, §2, is amended to read:
 
4. Confidential information.   The names of and other identifying information about persons providing information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are confidential information and may not be released.
 
The names of and other identifying information about persons who have contracted with or been hired by an entity for the purpose of filming or recording business operations of another entity to provide information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are not confidential information and may be released.
 
SUMMARY
This bill provides that the names of and identifying information about persons who have contracted with or been hired by an entity for the purpose of filming or recording business operations of another entity to provide information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may be made public.