Time to weigh in on proposed ATV rules

To the Editor;

The legislative session is well underway. Over the next months we will be working our way through close to 2,000 separate bills. Along with that we will also be taking a close look at the administration’s proposed budget. The budget contains some extremely complex policy language, and will require a great deal of time to shape into a document that will be approved.

One piece of legislation that I have submitted by request would require that a person driving an ATV on a locally designated access route to hold a motor vehicle operator’s license and carry liability insurance. I know that several of the towns within House District 119 have been working on rules that safely allow for ATV users to access local restaurants, gas stations and other points of interest, while keeping things safe for other motorists and residents. Each town has its own unique set of challenges.

I view this as an opportunity for stakeholders to help the legislature refine the rules for local access routes; whether that results in a required motor vehicle operator’s license or not.

The bill has not left the revisor’s office, nor has it yet been assigned an LD number. I encourage local municipal officials, ATV club officials and other interested parties to follow this bill and to weigh in when the opportunity arises. You can follow this bill, and any others, on line at http://legislature.maine.gov
Paul Stearns
House District 119