Maine § 12953. - Licensure

§ 12953.. Licensure

1.  License required.  In order to safeguard the life, health and welfare of the people of this State, a person may not practice the art of taxidermy for commercial purposes unless that person holds a valid taxidermist license as provided in this section.

Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed.  

2.  License qualifications.  To be eligible for a taxidermist license issued pursuant to this section, an applicant must:

A. Satisfactorily pass a taxidermy examination, as prescribed by the commissioner by rule; and   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

B. Demonstrate trustworthiness and competence to practice the art of taxidermy in such a manner, as prescribed by the commissioner by rule, as to safeguard the interests of the public.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3.  License application.  An applicant for a license must submit a written application to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require an applicant who has previously held a taxidermist license to provide a notarized statement indicating that the person has not failed to provide services to a customer as promised through a contractual agreement with that customer.

A. The application must contain satisfactory evidence of the qualifications required of the applicant under this section and must be sworn to by the applicant.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

B. Failure or refusal to provide information requested on the application form is sufficient grounds for the commissioner to reject the application.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

C. The application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $125. This fee also applies to examinations for general classification under department rules.   [PL 2023, c. 308, §11 (AMD).]

D. Within 10 working days of receipt of an application for a taxidermist license, the commissioner shall notify the applicant as to the acceptability of the application and shall provide the applicant with notice at least 2 weeks prior to any examination required under this section.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4.  Examination.  An applicant for a license shall appear at a time and place designated by the commissioner to be examined by means of written, practical and oral tests as the commissioner determines. The commissioner shall determine the form and content of examinations.

5.  Reexamination.  The commissioner may require a taxidermist to be reexamined if the commissioner receives a written complaint and, upon investigation, finds that the taxidermist no longer meets the qualifications to be licensed as a taxidermist. Beginning January 1, 2016, an examination is also required for any person who has not held a valid taxidermist license within the previous 3 years.

6.  License and fee.  License applicants who successfully meet the qualifications set forth in this section must be issued a license upon payment of a $77 fee for a 3-year license. This fee is in addition to the $125 application fee required for a first-time applicant and an application for general classification under department rules.

7.  Expiration and renewal of license; fees.  Prior to January 1, 2026, licenses issued pursuant to this section expire 3 years from the date of issuance unless revoked sooner. Beginning January 1, 2026, a taxidermist license entitles a person to practice the art of taxidermy through the remainder of the calendar year in which the license was issued plus 2 calendar years unless revoked sooner. A taxidermist whose license is not suspended or revoked may renew the license every 3 years upon application by the licensee accompanied by a $77 license fee.

8.  Rules.  The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.