Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §1803, sub-§§5 and 6, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 678, §13, are amended to read:

5. Distribution of information. At the expense of the State, may cause copies of sections or parts of sections of this chapter and of other laws of the State relating to the administration of public lands to be printed and freely distributed. The bureau may prepare tracts or circulars of information on the administration of public lands, which must be available for distribution; and

6. Rules. From time to time shall adopt, amend, repeal and enforce reasonable rules necessary to carry out the duties assigned to it, including, but not limited to, rules:

A. For the protection and preservation of state parks, historic sites, submerged lands, public reserved lands and nonreserved public lands;

B. For the protection and safety of the public; and

C. For observance of the conditions and restrictions, expressed in deeds of trust or otherwise, of the state parks, historic sites, submerged lands, public reserved lands and nonreserved public lands of the State and of monuments thereon.

All rules of the bureau must be adopted in accordance with the procedures set forth in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II. These rules, except those related to the conduct of public hearings, may be enforced by any law enforcement officer. Violation of any such rules, except those related to the conduct of public hearings, is a Class E crime.; and

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §1803, sub-§7 is enacted to read:

7.__Restrictions on use of or access to certain state property.__If the use of or access to property under the jurisdiction of the bureau is restricted, shall post signs at accepted points of entry to the property that specifically describe the restriction of use or access.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Bureau of Parks and Lands to post signs that specifically detail any restrictions on use or access,