Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6451, sub-§9 is enacted to read:

9.__Lobster special registration plate fees.__Revenues from lobster special registration plate fees credited to the Lobster Fund under Title 29-A, section 456-A may be used for research and education to support the development of the State's lobster industry.__The commissioner shall consult on the expenditure of funds received from the lobster special registration plates with a research and development board composed of one member from each of the following organizations:

A.__A statewide association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially;

B.__A downeast association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially;

C.__A southern Maine association representing the interests of persons who harvest lobster commercially;

D.__A statewide import-export lobster dealers' association;

E.__A statewide lobster pound owners' association;

F.__A statewide lobster processors' corporation;

G.__The Lobster Promotion Council under Title 12, section 6455;

H.__The Department of Marine Resources, Lobster Advisory Council; and

I.__A state member from an international lobster institute.

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA c. 419-E is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 419-E

MAINE BLACK BEARS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

§11691.__Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund

The Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund is created and established as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction and control of the Finance Authority of Maine.__All revenues credited to this fund must be distributed as need-based scholarships for students attending the University of Maine.__Scholarships distributed under this section may be awarded only to students