Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §3906-B, sub-§9, as amended by PL 1995, c. 502, Pt. C, §11, is further amended to read:

9. Employees. The commissioner shall employ personnel, subject to the Civil Service Law, as necessary to assist in enforcing this Part and in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the department. The commissioner, in consultation with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, shall employ, subject to the Civil Service Law, one full-time humane agent necessary employees to assist the commissioner in carrying out the commissioner's duties and responsibilities. The commissioner must conduct a background check of a potential employee including any violations of or convictions under this Title and Titles 12, 17-A, 22 and 29-A. The commissioner may not hire as a state humane agent a person who has been convicted of a criminal violation under Title 17, chapter 42 or has been adjudicated of a civil violation for cruelty to animals under chapter 739.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §3906-C, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 2001, c. 399, §3, is amended to read:

1. Membership. The council consists of 11 12 members appointed by the Governor as follows:

A. One member representing municipal interests;

B. One animal control officer;

C. One member representing licensed animal shelters;

D. One member representing licensed boarding or breeding kennels;

E. One member representing licensed pet shops;

G. One member who is or has been a veterinarian licensed to practice in the State;

H. One member who represents the interests of the public in animal welfare, generally;

I. One attorney with experience in animal welfare law;

J. One cooperative extension agent or specialist;

K. One member with expertise in equine care; and