This bill amends provisions of law governing aquaculture leases. The bill changes the process for renewing a standard aquaculture lease, including the language that designates the renewal of a lease as an adjudicatory proceeding under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, by replacing the existing process with language that requires the Commissioner of Marine Resources to renew the lease as soon as possible upon receipt of a complete application. A standard aquaculture lease refers to a lease granted under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 6072. The bill also replaces the existing process to convert a limited-purpose lease for commercial aquaculture research and development to a standard aquaculture lease for the same lease area and same operations authorized by the limited-purpose lease. The bill requires the commissioner to approve the conversion as soon as possible upon receipt of a complete application that meets those requirements. The bill directs the Department of Marine Resources to update its rules and forms consistent with this legislation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1722, HP 1149: 12.6072