Whereas, the 1999 whitewater rafting season may be over before the 90-day period terminates; and

Whereas, it is beneficial to the industry and the State that this legislation take effect in time for the 1999 whitewater rafting season; 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 §7369, sub-§12, as amended by PL 1995, c. 667, Pt. B, §7, is repealed.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7369, sub-§§13 and 14 are enacted to read:

13.__Noncommercial passengers on commercial trips.__A commercial whitewater outfitter using a whitewater craft on any stretch of river for which a specific allocation is required, including days for which an allocation is not required, and carrying a person other than a commercial passenger or commercial whitewater guide shall file a noncommercial passenger registration form with the department before launching the craft.__ The form must list the persons who are not commercial guides or commercial passengers, state that the persons listed are not commercial guides or commercial passengers and be signed by each person listed.

14.__Noncommercial trips permitted.__Except as provided in section 7365-A, a person who does not hold a commercial whitewater outfitter license may use a whitewater craft for noncommercial purposes on any stretch of river for which a specific allocation is required under this subchapter for commercial trips.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.