Whereas, this legislation needs to be an emergency to prevent laws that will be repealed on April 1, 2001 from being repealed; and

Whereas, confusion exists as to the application of certain laws administered by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and

Whereas, this confusion poses difficulties for the sporting public and those charged with enforcement of these laws; and

Whereas, it is vitally necessary that this confusion be resolved to prevent any injustice or hardship to the hunters, anglers, trappers and recreational vehicle owners of the State; 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. 12 MRSA §7014, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 819, Pt. A, §17, is amended to read:

5. Safety. The administration of Assistance with programs for hunter safety and for the safe operation of snowmobiles and, watercraft and all-terrain vehicles;

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7016, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 819, Pt. A, §17, is amended to read:

§7016. Division of Public Information and Education

There shall be is, within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, a the Division of Public Information and Education, which shall be is responsible for the administration of programs to increase the public's knowledge and understanding of the inland fisheries and wildlife resources and the management of these resources, including the administration of education programs for hunter safety and for the safe operation of snowmobiles, watercraft and all-terrain vehicles. The division's responsibilities shall include public education, promotion of the inland fisheries and wildlife resources and the dissemination of information.