Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Apr 3, 2026

LD 2057: An Act To Support Rehabilitation And Development Of Affordable Manufactured Housing Communities

This bill amends state housing laws to give the Maine State Housing Authority more flexibility in making construction loans for affordable housing projects. It removes a previous requirement that a local financial institution must participate in these loans by acting as an escrow agent, allowing the Authority to make loans directly to public bodies or nonprofit organizations in some cases. The legislation also grants the Authority power to create rules governing loan applications, borrower qualifications, and interest rate restrictions to ensure affordable housing development. Additionally, it repeals an older law that set specific bonding requirements for these construction loans.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases flexibility for affordable manufactured housing construction loans, directly advancing affordable housing development and access.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · House Apr 3, 2026

LD 1923: An Act To Repurpose Long Creek Youth Development Center And Build A Community System Of Support

LD 1923 repurposes Maine's Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland into a secure residential treatment facility for juveniles by January 1, 2027, and directs $10 million in state funds to establish community-based services. It requires the Department of Corrections to fund community programs - including mobile crisis support, behavioral health services, transitional housing, and peer mentoring - instead of youth confinement. The bill mandates monthly public reporting on juvenile justice data (by region, age, gender, race) and creates a working group with community stakeholders to plan the transition. This directly affects youth in Maine’s juvenile justice system by shifting resources from incarceration to community support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill replaces youth confinement with community-based services ($10M funding for crisis support, behavioral health, housing), directly advancing juvenile justice reform by reducing detention and promoting rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $10M for behavioral health services and mobile crisis support, directly funding healthcare services for juveniles.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds transitional housing as a mandated community service for juveniles, directly advancing housing access through state funding.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Mar 23, 2026

LD 1949: An Act Regarding Energy Fairness

LD 1949, "An Act Regarding Energy Fairness," protects vulnerable Maine residents from utility disconnections by prohibiting disconnections for nonpayment if a customer is elderly, disabled, has a newborn in the household, or is enrolled in or applying for utility assistance programs. It requires utilities to provide clear written notice of unpaid bills, allow customers to set up payment plans, have informal hearings, and appeal disconnection decisions to the commission. The bill also mandates monthly notices for customers with outstanding bills during protected periods, including how to apply for financial assistance, and prevents low-income customers from being charged higher electricity rates without a commission waiver. These changes directly affect residential utility customers in Maine, particularly those facing financial hardship or health challenges.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects vulnerable residents from utility disconnections, preventing housing instability and homelessness, aligning with tenant protection goals.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Mar 9, 2026

LD 1995: An Act To Require The Maine Office Of Community Affairs To Establish A Technical Assistance Materials Hub

LD 1995 requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to create and maintain a technical assistance materials hub on its publicly accessible website. The bill directs the office to compile and host resources that help communities and organizations navigate housing and economic development programs. This hub will directly serve Maine residents, local governments, and nonprofit groups seeking guidance on community development initiatives. The bill focuses on improving access to existing support materials rather than creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes technical assistance hub for housing/economic development resources, improving access to existing programs and aiding community housing initiatives.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · House Mar 9, 2026

LD 161: Resolve, Directing The Department Of Agriculture, Conservation And Forestry To Convene A Stakeholder Group Tasked With A Comprehensive Overhaul And Modernization Of The State Subdivision Laws

LD 161 is a procedural resolution directing Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to form a stakeholder group to review and recommend updates to the state's subdivision laws (specifically in Title 12, Chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, Chapter 187; and Title 38, Chapter 3). The group must address promoting growth in designated areas, reducing development pressure in rural zones, protecting public health/safety, advancing affordable housing, and streamlining review processes. The department must submit a report with recommendations to legislative committees by December 3, 2025, which could inform future legislation. This affects developers, local governments, property owners, and rural communities governed by current subdivision regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly directs stakeholder group to 'advance affordable housing' as a core goal in reviewing subdivision laws, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · House Jul 1, 2025

LD 1498: An Act To Limit Municipal Impact Fees On Housing Development

LD 1498 limits how Maine municipalities can charge impact fees for housing development projects. The bill requires towns to create a public policy document explaining how they determine when infrastructure improvements are needed and how developers' fees are calculated. It restricts fees to infrastructure directly adjacent to the development and mandates that fees be proportionate to the project's use of that infrastructure. Additionally, municipalities must spend collected fees within 180 days of receipt.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts municipal fee collection methods, limiting fiscal discretion in infrastructure funding, directly impacting budget management through fee restrictions.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits municipal impact fees on housing development, reducing financial barriers for new housing projects and facilitating construction.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Jul 1, 2025

LD 698: An Act To Sustain Emergency Homeless Shelters In Maine

LD 698 provides annual funding of $5 million from the General Fund to support emergency homeless shelters across Maine for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. This bill directly affects emergency homeless shelters by guaranteeing stable, ongoing financial support to maintain operations. The key mechanism is a dedicated state appropriation that ensures shelters receive consistent funding without requiring annual legislative approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $5M annual state funding for emergency homeless shelters, directly increasing public service appropriations under budget/funding category.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides $5M annual funding for emergency homeless shelters, directly addressing homelessness and sustaining housing stability through dedicated state appropriations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Jul 1, 2025

LD 1768: An Act To Protect Residents Of Mobile Home Parks By Amending The Real Estate Transfer Tax

LD 1768 amends Maine's real estate transfer tax law to better support mobile home park residents. It exempts transfers of mobile home parks to residents or resident-owned associations from the standard transfer tax, making it easier for residents to collectively purchase their parks. Additionally, all tax revenue generated from mobile home park sales (to non-residents) must be directed to the Maine State Housing Authority and deposited into the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund, which supports statewide housing initiatives. These changes take effect starting in fiscal year 2026-27.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts resident park transfers from tax (relief) and directs non-resident sale revenue to housing fund (funds public service).95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts resident purchases of mobile home parks from transfer tax, funds Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund via non-resident sales tax revenue, strengthening tenant ownership and housing programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · Senate Jul 1, 2025

LD 384: An Act To Prevent Student Homelessness

This bill establishes Maine's Student Homelessness Prevention Program within the Department of Education to help elementary and secondary students avoid homelessness. It provides up to $750 per academic year in direct financial assistance to families of students at risk of homelessness for housing needs like rent, utilities, or critical repairs. The program is funded through an annual $1.5 million appropriation from the General Fund, with assistance not counted as income for tax or public assistance eligibility. The program builds on federal McKinney-Vento requirements by proactively identifying at-risk students and offering immediate financial support to maintain stable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds $1.5M student homelessness program via General Fund appropriation, supporting public service spending and aligning with fiscal responsibility indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides direct financial aid ($750/student) to prevent student homelessness, ensuring educational stability through Department of Education program, directly advancing access and support for K-12 students.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides direct financial assistance for housing needs (rent, utilities) to prevent student homelessness, funding a dedicated housing program within state education department.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · House Jun 22, 2025

LD 1471: An Act To Require Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statements And Energy Efficiency Standards For Certain Rental Housing In The State

This bill requires landlords in Maine to provide tenants with energy efficiency disclosure statements starting January 1, 2030, detailing a rental unit’s energy performance. Beginning January 1, 2035, landlords must meet minimum insulation standards for rental units, with tenants able to terminate leases or receive 50% of monthly heating costs (if they pay for heat) until standards are met. Exemptions apply to owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units, short-term rentals under 30 days, and units rented less than two years in a five-year period. The law also prohibits landlords from retaining security deposits for lease terminations due to non-compliance and protects tenants from retaliation if they assert these rights.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy efficiency standards and insulation for rental housing, directly promoting reduced energy waste and improved building performance per bill's requirements.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates energy efficiency standards and tenant protections (50% heating cost refund/lease termination) for rental housing, reducing long-term costs and strengthening tenant rights in housing policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing