Whereas, confusion exists as to the application of certain laws administered by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and

Whereas, this confusion poses difficulties for the sporting public and those charged with enforcement of these laws; and

Whereas, it is vitally necessary that this confusion be resolved to prevent any injustice or hardship to the hunters, anglers, trappers and recreational vehicle owners of the State; 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 §7071, sub-§9, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 459, §1, is amended to read:

9. Persons prohibited from possessing firearm. A person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under Title 15, section 393, subsection 1 is not eligible to obtain or possess any license or permit issued by the department that authorizes a person to hunt with a firearm, unless that person possesses a valid permit in accordance with Title 15, section 393, subsection 2.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7073, sub-§7 is enacted to read:

7.__License must be signed.__A license issued by the department must be signed by the licensee prior to use.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §7076, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 1995, c. 462, Pt. A, §33, is amended to read:

1. Residents over 70 years of age. A complimentary license to hunt, trap or fish, including an archery license under section 7102-A or 7102-B, a pheasant hunting permit under section 7106-B and a muzzle-loading hunting license under section 7107-A, must be issued to any resident of Maine who is 70 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner. These complimentary licenses, upon issuance, remain valid for the remainder of the