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Committee reviews multiple ATV language changes, including higher "oversized" ATV weight and dealer disclosure requirements
Summary
The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee conducted preliminary language review of LD19, LD276 and LD350, proposing changes to the definition and registration of "oversized" all-terrain vehicles, dealer disclosure requirements, and an advisory-board study. Fiscal review remains pending; language will return for final review after fiscal materials are received.
The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee held a language review on March 18 focused on three related all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) measures that would change how oversized ATVs are defined and how ATVs are sold and registered.
Staff member Ann told the committee they had four language reviews on the agenda and that LD19 contained three amendment options. She said the majority amendment (sponsored by Representative Rick Mason) removes the emergency clause and raises the minimum weight threshold used to classify an ATV as oversized from the original bill's figure to 2,950 pounds. "You've seen this language before for all amendments and in each case we're still waiting on fiscal review," Ann said. The committee heard no substantive questions about the first amendment and moved on.
A second amendment (identified in the transcript as Representative Kluchi's) would create an exemption allowing registration of an oversized ATV for an individual issued a disability registration plate. The committee recorded a minority report from one member on that amendment.
A third amendment (noted as Senator Garren's) would replace the bill with broader regulatory changes: it would authorize a violations bureau to process civil inland fisheries and wildlife violations, require ATV sellers to disclose when a vehicle cannot be registered in the state, direct the department to develop targeted educational materials for dealers and town clerks, and give the commissioner authority to suspend licenses and registrations after repeated illegal operation. That amendment also proposes operational changes to enforcement and outreach, including creation of 10 part-time game warden positions and trailside weighing stations (10 sets of scales with four units each), and establishment of a landowner reimbursement fund and an infrastructure upkeep fund. Committee staff noted that final language is contingent on fiscal review and that the complete language will be brought back once fiscal materials are available.
Separately, LD276 (a committee concept draft) directs ATV dealers to supply purchasers with a signed form indicating whether the ATV is oversized; dealers would provide copies to purchasers and to the department, and owners must present the signed form as part of registration. LD350 was amended into a resolve directing the landowners and land users relations advisory board to study ATV weight, size and classification issues, consult stakeholders (including owners whose oversized-ATV registrations were rescinded and industry representatives), and report back to the committee by Feb. 1, 2027.
All three items remain at a preliminary language-review stage; staff said fiscal review is still pending and that the language will return for a final review once fiscal documents are completed. The committee did not take a final vote on these items during the March 18 meeting.
