E.__Chapter 725; or

F.__Chapter 727.

2.__Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $250 and costs may be adjudged.

3.__Investigation.__The commissioner, at the commissioner's own instance or upon written complaint made to the commissioner by another person, shall investigate an alleged refusal or neglect of duty by a municipal officer.

4.__Prosecution. The commissioner shall direct proceedings, actions and prosecutions to be instituted to enforce all laws relating to animals and to the liability of municipal officers and their agents for failure, neglect or refusal to comply with the laws relating to animals.

Sec. B-22. 7 MRSA §3991, as amended by PL 2003, c. 405, §22, is repealed.

Sec. B-23. 7 MRSA §3991-A is enacted to read:

§3991-A.__Regulation of research institutions

1.__License necessary.__A research or teaching institution of higher education may not employ live animals in scientific investigation, experiment or instruction or for the testing of drugs or medicines without first having been issued a license under this section by the commissioner.

2.__Application.__A research or teaching institution desiring to obtain a license shall make application to the commissioner.__ On receipt of the application, the commissioner shall investigate as necessary to determine whether the public interest will be served by the issuance of the license.__The commissioner may issue the license as long as the research or teaching institution, by reason of its standards, facilities, practices or activities, is a fit and proper institution to receive the license and that its issuance is in the public interest.__The standards for licensure are those contained in United States Code, Title 7, Section 2143 and any federal regulations issued pursuant to that law.__This chapter may not be construed to be more restrictive than federal law. In the case of conflict between state law and federal law or a mandatory rule,