October 15th of this year will make 90 days since the Legislature adjourned for the year. This is notable not only because it means I’ve been out of Augusta and able to be at home regularly for three months, but also because it is the date that many of the laws passed during the legislative session go into effect.

Among the bills which go into effect on October 15 is a piece of legislation I introduced, LD 727, “An Act To Allow the Retrofit of Underground Oil Storage Tanks.” This measure is intended to assist businesses like rural, family owned gas stations by easing regulations on the replacement of certain storage tanks. It allows the use of technology that builds a separate and new double wall tank within the physical confines of the existing tank. Current Department of Environmental Protection rules allow this procedure for fiberglass tanks but not for the existing steel tanks. Under the new law, a site assessment is required before the retrofitting is allowed. For small gasoline tank owners this change could make the financial difference between deciding whether to upgrade or to close their doors permanently.

LD 652, “An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit,” will also go into effect on October 15th. This bill does not do away with Maine’s permitting process, nor does it change who may carry a gun or where they may carry a gun, just that they can now carry concealed without a permit. Mainers can already carry openly without a permit. To learn more in detail about this law, particularly if you are a gun owner who wants to know how it impacts you, I encourage you to check out the Maine State Police’s guide to the new law. You can find it on their website at http://www.maine. gov/dps/msp/licenses/weapons_ permits.html. Those of you who have young people in your family interested in hunting should be aware that LD 593, “An Act To Expand Deer Hunting Opportunities for Junior Hunters,” will go into effect on October 15th. The legislation allows an adult antlerless deer permit holder to transfer the antlerless deer permit to a person who holds a junior hunting license. The permit must be transferred at least 48 hours prior to the time the person holding the junior hunting license hunts for antlerless deer. Once the antlerless deer permit is transferred, the transferor loses the right to take an antlerless deer under that permit.

LD 722, “An Act To Strengthen Penalties for Abuse of General Assistance,” will also take effect in October. This was one of the only welfare reform measures to pass both the Senate and House this year. The new law says that someone who makes false claims to get General Assistance benefits is ineligible to receive further assistance either for a period of 120 days, until reimbursement is made, or until they enter into a reasonable written agreement to reimburse the municipality, whichever period is longer.

If you have questions or thoughts on any of these bills, or any state matter, please get in touch with me. You can give me a call at 432-5643 or shoot me an email at dcwoodsome@gmail.com.

— Sen. David Woodsome represents Senate District 33 which includes Cornish, Limerick, Newfield, Parsonsfield, Sanford, Shapleigh, and Waterboro.

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