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An Act To Minimize the Propagation of Invasive Aquatic Plants
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  the boating season begins in the State prior to the statutory adjournment date; and
Whereas,  this Act is necessary to protect Maine's water bodies from invasive aquatic plants; 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.  38 MRSA §419-C, sub-§1-A  is enacted to read:
 
1-A.  Draining of vessels and equipment.     When removing a vessel from an inland water body, and prior to transport away from the area where the vessel left the water, a person shall:
 
A.  Drain the vessel, trailer and other equipment that holds water, including live wells, ballast tanks and bilges; and
 
B.  Remove or open drain plugs, bailers, valves and other devices to drain the water from the live wells, ballast tanks and bilges.
 
For the purposes of this subsection, "vessel" has the same meaning as defined in section 542, subsection 11.
 
Nothing in this subsection allows a person to directly or indirectly discharge pollutants into waters of the State. This subsection does not apply to emergency response vessels and their related equipment.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires a person when removing a vessel from an inland water body to drain the vessel and other equipment and to remove or open drain plugs, bailers, valves and other devices to drain the water before that vessel is transported. It exempts emergency response vessels from these requirements.