Veto override successful for bill to allow burn permits to be obtained online through private enterprise

The Maine Legislature voted overwhelmingly on Monday to override the governor’s veto of a bill from Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, to allow burn permits to be obtained online through software obtained from a private company.

LD 1809 “An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Issuance of Burn Permits” was the latest bill in an ongoing legislative battle to allow online systems like Warden’s Report, which was developed by West Gardiner resident Gary Hickey II, to be used by municipalities to issue burn permits.

While the Legislature passed similar legislation last year Dale Denico, the Director of the Maine Forest Service, issued a press release stating that the systems then in operation were in violation of the law.

“Gary developed Warden’s Report because he questioned the inefficiencies and safety of the state system and designed a better way to issue and track the permits,” said Sen. Bellows. “We should be encouraging more private sector partnerships like this to make government work better for people. I’m glad we can put this issue behind us, and communities can use these systems now.”

Non-emergency laws, of which this is one, will be effective law 90 days after the Maine Legislature adjourns sine die from the special legislative session. There is no set date for the Legislature’s adjournment at this time.