Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, § 8867-G: Forest certification programs, 2023

1. Requirements for state land. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may obtain or maintain certification from a forest certification program for state land only if the program, in order to obtain certification under the program: A. Contains performance-based indicators described in subsection 2 that protect forest workers, including logging and trucking contractors, that can be assessed and verified by a recognized certifying entity; and [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] B. Does not require payment to a trade association that is registered with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] 2. Performance-based indicators. Performance-based indicators required by subsection 1 include the following labor practices: A. No use of child labor; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] B. No use of forced labor; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] C. No discrimination; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] D. Freedom of association and collective bargaining; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] E. Promotion of gender equality; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] F. Implementation of legal occupational health and safety practices; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] G. Payment of fair wages that meet or exceed the minimum wage; [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] H. Adequate and effective training; and [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] I. Grievance resolution and compensation for damages. [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 380, §1 (NEW).]