Sec. 5. 22 MRSA §2625, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 1985, c. 748, §27, is further amended to read:

The commissioner board may file a complaint with the Administrative Court to suspend or revoke a license of an a certified operator when he determines it is determined that the operator has practiced fraud or deception; that he the operator has been negligent in that reasonable care, judgment or the application of his knowledge or ability was not used in the performance of his the operator's duties; or that the operator is incompetent or unable to perform his the operator's duties properly.

Sec. 6. 22 MRSA §2627, as amended by PL 1983, c. 819, Pt. A, §55, is repealed.

Sec. 7. 22 MRSA §2630, as amended by PL 1995, c. 442, §8, is further amended to read:

§2630. Licensure

If a supplier of water loses its licensed operator, it shall secure a new licensed operator or enter into a contractual agreement with a licensed operator of proper classification until a new operator has been employed for the supplier of water.

The Board of Licensure of Water Treatment Plant Operators may, in the event of extenuating circumstances, issue a waiver of the licensure requirements for a period not exceeding 13 months. In granting the waiver, the board may impose such terms, conditions or requirements as, in its judgment, are necessary to protect the public health and interest.

Holders of a water treatment plant operator's certificate valid as of June 30, 1984, shall be deemed to hold a license expiring on the same day as the certificate.

FISCAL NOTE

The Department of Human Services will incur some minor additional costs as a result of the increase in the number of members on the Board of Licensure of Water Treatment Plant Operators. These costs can be absorbed within the department's existing budgeted resources.