An Act to Designate the Spring Peeper as the Official State Amphibian
Summary
LD 72 is a simple symbolic measure that designates the spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) as Maine’s official state amphibian. The bill adds a new section to Title 1 of the Maine Revised Statutes establishing the spring peeper as a state symbol, alongside other official state emblems.
The legislation does not create a regulatory program, appropriations, or enforcement mechanism. Its legal effect is limited to amending Maine law to recognize the spring peeper as an official state designation, which may be used in educational, ceremonial, and promotional contexts.
Impact
The bill amends 1 MRSA by enacting a new section establishing the spring peeper as the official state amphibian. It affects state law only by adding a new symbolic state designation and does not alter substantive rights, duties, or agency responsibilities for residents, schools, wildlife managers, or other parties.
Sentiment
The voting record suggests the bill was generally well received, though not unanimously supported. The House approved the majority ought-to-pass report by 83-60, and the Senate then accepted the majority report by 30-3, indicating stronger support in the Senate than in the House. Overall, the bill appears to have been viewed as a low-stakes, ceremonial measure with broad but not universal approval.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to have been whether the Legislature should spend time on creating another official state symbol. The split House vote suggests some members may have viewed the bill as unnecessary or frivolous, while supporters likely saw it as a harmless way to recognize a familiar Maine species. No committee transcript is available, so the specific arguments on either side are not documented in the provided materials.