AUGUSTA - The Maine House and Senate have voted to override Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that would allow the commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to transfer a moose permit to a family member in cases determined to involve exceptional extenuating circumstances.
The bill, LD 373, adds stepchildren and grandchildren to the already long list that defines family members. The Senate voted 34-0 to oppose the governor's veto and the House followed with a 145-0.
"My understanding of what this bill does is that it allows the commissioner of IF&W, on a case-by-case basis, to allow a moose permit to be transferred in an interfamily relationship," said House Republican leader Ken Fredette. "My understanding is it's something that the commissioner was onboard with."
Maine's moose hunting permits are subject to a lottery. This year there will be 2,815 permits. There are typically more than 50,000 applications.