Resolve, To Allow the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife To Extend the 2017 Ice Fishing Season

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 open-water fishing season is scheduled to begin April 1, 2017; and

Whereas,  weather conditions are still conducive to ice fishing in some areas 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

Sec. 1. Authority to extend 2017 ice fishing season. Resolved: That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may adopt emergency rules to extend the 2017 ice fishing season on the inland waters of the State if the extension is warranted due to weather conditions.

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