AUGUSTA – A Maine law is now on the books to extend the amount of time some commercial fishing license holders can receive a medical waiver.
Harpswell Democratic Rep. Jay McCreight’s measure allows the Maine Department of Marine Resources commissioner to renew a temporary medical waiver for lobster and crab fishing licenses up to one year.
McCreight says she was motivated to make the proposal at the request of a Harpswell lobsterman who needed help because he’s struggling with a terminal illness, but still needs to work.
McCreight say she also plans to work on a potential solution next year that would allow qualified family members to fish using the license of a sick relative.
The bill became a law on April 1 without the signature of Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
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