Housing

This bill allows Maine development districts (tax increment financing districts) to extend their tax increment financing periods by up to 20 additional years beyond the standard 30-year limit, provided they use at least 75% of the tax increment revenue for affordable housing or transit-oriented development projects. It defines "affordable housing" as housing for households earning no more than 120% of the area median income (per HUD standards) and clarifies that "transit-oriented development" includes projects linking housing and other uses with transit facilities, without requiring them to be located in designated transit districts. Municipalities meeting these conditions can extend their districts' tax increment financing periods, supporting longer-term development focused on housing access and transit connectivity.

This bill prohibits condominium and residential associations in Maine from banning unit owners from installing or using electric vehicle charging stations in their designated parking spaces or units. It amends state law to prevent associations from including restrictions in governing documents (like bylaws or declarations) that would block such installations. The law directly affects unit owners seeking to add EV charging and associations that previously imposed such prohibitions. Key provisions require associations to allow charging stations in exclusive-use parking areas or spaces specifically assigned to an owner, removing legal barriers to EV adoption in residential communities.

LD 1067 requires 60% of occupied mobile homes (up from 51%) to provide written support for a group of owners or association to make a purchase offer for their mobile home park. It mandates that any offer include a purchase and sale agreement, and if accepted, the group must secure financing within 90 days. The bill also limits mobile home owners' associations to contacting residents no more than three times about purchasing the park. This directly affects mobile home owners seeking collective ownership of their park in Maine.

This bill directs the Maine State Housing Authority to change its rules for the state's fuel assistance program. It requires that payments for wood fuel be made directly to vendors before the wood is delivered to households, rather than to recipients. This change affects low-income households in Maine who use wood for heating and receive fuel assistance benefits. The policy update ensures vendors receive payment upfront, streamlining the process for wood fuel deliveries under the program.

This bill prohibits Maine public utilities from requiring new residential customers to pay an upfront deposit solely based on their income level. It specifically bans deposits for applicants who haven't used the utility's service within the past 30 days, defining such applicants as "new" customers. Utilities may still require deposits if they can prove a customer is a credit risk or likely to damage property, but must provide that proof upon request. The Public Utilities Commission must create implementing rules by October 1, 2025. The law directly affects low- and middle-income households applying for new utility service.