Whereas, it is imperative that this legislation take effect immediately in order to prevent serious environmental and economic problems associated with the unchecked spread of 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 §410-N, sub-§1, ¶C is enacted to read:

C.__"State boat ramp" means a public boat ramp administered by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Conservation.

Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §410-N, sub-§3, ¶¶C to E are enacted to read:

C.__The department may recommend that the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Conservation temporarily close one or more state boat ramps for a period of up to 120 days.__During this period, the department shall prepare an integrated response plan.

(1)__Upon receiving a request from the department for a temporary closure, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Conservation shall notify affected municipalities and local residents of the potential for temporary closure by publishing written notice of the restriction at least once in the state paper, 2 other papers of general circulation and the paper for the immediate vicinity of the state boat ramp to be closed, if any, and, to the extent practicable, by posting notice at the state boat ramp.__ The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Conservation shall allow at least 14 days after publication of the written notice for public comment prior to closing the state boat ramp.__These notice requirements apply in lieu of otherwise applicable notice requirements in Title 12.