An Act To Establish the Seafood Export Certification Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, current restrictions on the international export of seafood require the seafood to be certified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
Whereas, due to limited resources at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, persons who fish commercially in the State often are required to wait for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to certify the seafood and issue the certificate needed for international export; and
Whereas, the time spent waiting results in reduced productivity for persons who fish commercially in 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,
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6043 is enacted to read:
§ 6043. Seafood Export Certification Program
The Seafood Export Certification Program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established to allow the department, in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to inspect and certify seafood products for international export. The commissioner may enter into agreements with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and seafood producers for the issuance of certificates of compliance necessary to meet international regulations.
The commissioner shall adopt routine technical rules, as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A, to implement the program.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
summary
This bill establishes the Seafood Export Certification Program in the Department of Marine Resources to allow the department, in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to inspect and certify seafood and issue certificates of compliance necessary to meet international export standards.