Sec. C-18. 31 MRSA §526, sub-§18, as amended by PL 1999, c. 638, §19, is repealed.

Sec. C-19. 31 MRSA §603, as corrected by RR 2001, c. 2, Pt. B, §50 and affected by §58, is repealed.

Sec. C-20. 31 MRSA §603-A is enacted to read:

§603-A.__Limited liability company name

1.__Requirements.__A limited liability company name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company," the abbreviation "L.L.C." or the designation "LLC" unless the limited liability company is filing an assumed name under section 605-A or a registration of name under section 606-A.__If the words "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Liability Company, Chartered," "Limited Liability Company, Professional Association," "Limited Liability Company, P.A." or any of the designations without commas are used, a limited liability company may also use the abbreviation "L.L.C." or the designation "LLC" without filing an assumed name under section 605-A.

2.__Distinguishable name. Except as authorized by subsections 3 and 4, a limited liability company name must be distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State from:

A.__The name of a corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or limited partnership that is incorporated, organized or authorized to transact business or carry on activities in this State;

B.__Assumed, fictitious, reserved and registered name filings for all entities; and

C.__Marks registered under Title 10, chapter 301-A unless the registered owner or holder of the mark is the same person or entity as the limited liability company seeking to use a name that is not distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State and files proof of ownership with the Secretary of State.

3.__Refuse to file name.__The Secretary of State, in the Secretary of State's discretion, may refuse to file a name that:

A.__Consists of or comprises language that is obscene;

B.__Inappropriately promotes abusive or unlawful activity;