1. Generally. Consistent with section 598-A, the bureau may sell and convey lands under this subchapter and improvements on those lands. With the consent of the Governor and the commissioner and subject to the provisions of section 598-A, the bureau may convey interests in lands or lease the same. Any lease to the Federal Government requires the approval of the Legislature. Any lease entered into must be canceled or revoked after due notice of intention to cancel or revoke the lease by action of the bureau when the use for which that lease was given has been abandoned or materially modified or whenever the conditions imposed in any lease have been broken. [PL 2025, c. 309, §16 (NEW).] 2. Lease for cultivating edible crops, hay or pasturage for livestock. Pursuant to the right to food as declared in the Constitution of Maine, Article I, Section 25, the bureau, with the consent of the Governor and the commissioner and subject to the provisions of section 598-A, may lease the right to use parcels of land under this subchapter for purposes of cultivating edible crops, hay or pasturage for dairy animals or other livestock. Each lease must contain a provision that authorizes the bureau to terminate the lease at any time when the bureau in its sole discretion determines that termination is in the best interests of the State. The bureau may not issue any adjustment or compensation to any lessee under this subsection on account of that termination. The bureau, to the extent practicable, in establishing a lease under this subsection, may give priority consideration to individuals with a history of generational poverty or land dispossession in the United States or to individuals who are veterans. For purposes of this subsection, "veteran" means an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces and meets the definition of "veteran" under 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 3.1 or who has served or is currently serving in the Maine Army National Guard or Maine Air National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces. [PL 2025, c. 309, §16 (NEW).]
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