ME LD144

Creates a new "limited retail seafood harvester certificate" allowing shellfish harvesters to sell their own catch directly to consumers from a vehicle, including at farmers' markets, without operating a fixed facility or selling through registered dealers

Certificate is available to holders of retail seafood licenses who are also licensed as commercial shellfish harvesters, surf clam boat operators, mahogany quahog harvesters, mussel harvesters, or aquaculture operators

Fee for the limited retail seafood harvester certificate is $50, deposited into the Shellfish Fund; each certificate authorizes sales from only one vehicle

Commissioner or agents may access vehicles for inspection; denial of access is grounds for license suspension or revocation; violations carry civil forfeitures of $100 to $500

Enacted as emergency legislation, effective immediately upon Governor's approval on May 23, 2025, to enable sales during the spring and summer seasons