Whereas, participation in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission infringes upon the rights of and restricts the ability of the State's citizens to fish the coastal waters of the State; and

Whereas, under the terms of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, withdrawal may not take effect until 180 days after notice of intent to withdrawal; and

Whereas, it is necessary that the withdrawal be accomplished without any further delay than that required by law; 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. 3 MRSA §959, sub-§1, ¶K, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 488, @2, is amended to read:

K. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over marine resource matters shall use the following list as a guideline for scheduling reviews:

(1) Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in 1997;

(2) Department of Marine Resources in 1997;

(3) Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission in 1999;

(4) Lobster Advisory Council in 1999; and

(5) Maine Sardine Council in 1999.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §12004-K, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 786, §5, is repealed.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA c. 419, as amended, is repealed.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §6001, sub-§28, as enacted by PL 1977, c. 661, §5, is amended to read: