Whereas, this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to prevent changes to the law that are scheduled to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period; 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. 25 MRSA §3701, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 582, §1, is amended to read:

6. Solicitation agent. "Solicitation agent" means a person or entity that receives payment for or retains any portion of the proceeds from soliciting. "Solicitation agent" includes, but is not limited to, a person or entity that receives or retains reimbursement for expenses related to soliciting.

This subsection is repealed February 1, 2004.

Sec. 2. 25 MRSA §3702-A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 582, §2, is further amended to read:

§3702-A. Solicitation unlawful

A law enforcement agency, law enforcement association, law enforcement officer or solicitation agent may not solicit property from the general public when the property or any part of that property in any way tangibly benefits, is intended to tangibly benefit or is represented to be for the tangible benefit of any law enforcement officer, law enforcement agency or law enforcement association. Any violation of this chapter constitutes a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. This section is repealed February 1, 2004.

Sec. 3. 25 MRSA §3702-B, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 582, §3, is repealed.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.