An Act To Authorize The Commissioner Of Marine Resources To Adopt Emergency Rules To Protect Certain Marine Mammals In Exceptional Circumstances

This bill amends existing legislation to allow the Maine Commissioner of Marine Resources to create emergency rules protecting marine mammals during exceptional circumstances, provided the commissioner consults with industry personnel first. It requires the department to submit an annual written report to the Legislature by January 1st each year detailing how the emergency rule-making authority has been used. The annual reporting requirement replaces a previous one-time report, ensuring ongoing oversight of this emergency power.