Whereas, logging is a vital part of the State's economy; and

Whereas, current law requiring the posting of certain information at logging sites aids in the theft of timber by making it easier to transport and sell stolen timber using the information posted at the site; and

Whereas, timber theft is a serious problem that merits immediate attention by the Legislature; 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 §8883, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1997, c. 648, §6, is further amended to read:

3. Notification form on file. The landowner or designated agent shall retain a copy of the notification form and produce it upon request of agents as specified in section 8888. The landowner or designated agent shall post a copy of the notification form at the harvest site in a clearly visible location.

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

SUMMARY

Current law requires notification forms containing certain information about timber harvesting to be posted at the site of the harvesting. This bill removes that requirement.