Sec. 1. 4 MRSA §152, sub-§6-B is enacted to read:

6-B.__Forestry laws.__All laws administered or enforced by the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Forestry, including, but not limited to, Title 12, chapters 805, 807 and 809;

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §8003, sub-§3, śR is enacted to read:

R.__The director of the bureau may authorize certified employees of the bureau to serve civil process and represent the bureau in District Court in the prosecution of violations of those laws enforced by the bureau and set forth in Title 4, section 152, subsections 6-A and 6-B.__ Certification of these employees must be as provided under Title 30-A, section 4453.

Sec. 3. 30-A MRSA §4453, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1997, c. 683, Pt. B, §16, is further amended to read:

4. Maine Land Use Regulation Commission. Maine Land Use Regulation Commission employees as set forth in Title 12, section 685-C, subsection 9; and

Sec. 4. 30-A MRSA §4453, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 683, Pt. B, §17, is amended to read:

5. Humane agents and state veterinarians. Humane agents and state veterinarians as set forth in Title 7, section 3909, subsection 2.; and

Sec. 5. 30-A MRSA §4453, sub-§6 is enacted to read:

6.__Bureau of Forestry employees.__The Department of Conservation, Bureau of Forestry employees as set forth in Title 12, sections 8612 and 8901.

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Conservation to authorize certain employees to represent the bureau in District Court in matters regarding the administration and enforcement of the State's natural resources protection, timber theft and trespass laws.