Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6421, sub-§5-A, as amended by PL 1995, c. 568, §1, is further amended to read:

5-A. Student license eligibility. A student license may only be issued to a person who, at the time of application, is a full- time student not more than 22 years of age. For the purposes of this subsection, "full-time student" means "student" as defined in Title 39-A, section 102, subsection 8, paragraph C. To be eligible for a student license, the full-time student must pass a basic examination given by the department.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1995, c. 568, §2, is further amended to read:

1. Program established; experience component. By July 1, 1996, the commissioner shall establish by rule an apprentice program for entry into the lobster fishery. The program must include practical lobster fishing experience. A person must hold an apprentice lobster and crab fishing license or a student lobster and crab fishing license under section 6421 to enter the program.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6422, sub-§4, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 574, §2, is further amended to read:

B. Documents to the commissioner that the person obtained practical lobster fishing experience as a holder of a student license issued under section 6421.__This paragraph is repealed on December 31, 2001; or

SUMMARY

This bill accomplishes the following.

1. It specifies that to be eligible for a student lobster and crab fishing license, the individual must pass an examination.

2. It specifies that in order to enter the lobster apprenticeship program, an individual must have either an apprentice license or a student license.

3. It specifies that an applicant for the lobster apprenticeship program may have part of the practical lobster fishing experience requirement waived based on that person's experience as a holder of a student license.