An Act Regarding Penalties For Violating The Laws Governing Agriculture And Animals And The Maine Weights And Measures Law

LD 88 increases administrative penalties for violating Maine's agriculture, animal welfare, and weights and measures laws, allowing the Department of Agriculture to impose fines up to $5,000 per violation with a total cap of $50,000 per person. It requires the department to provide violators a 15-day window to request a hearing before penalties are finalized, and mandates consideration of factors like public health impact and prior violations when setting fines. The bill also permits the department to recover investigation costs and pursue unpaid penalties through court action, with interest accruing on overdue amounts.