ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's fisheries service has proposed a new system of penalties for commercial poaching and other natural resource violations.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says it created the system and increased penalties because several convictions are currently required before even a minor suspension is possible.
If the proposed penalties are approved, violations will have points assigned to them based on their seriousness.
Repeat offenders face increased penalties and so do those who violate laws
protecting certain species.
There are also proposed provisions for automatic suspensions with certain violations. Public comment will be accepted starting Dec. 18 and ending Jan. 19.
