LD 2173 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Update The Laws Regarding Housing Developments And Accessory Dwelling Units

This bill updates Maine laws governing housing developments and accessory dwelling units, primarily affecting municipalities and developers. It removes the requirement for fire suppression sprinklers in accessory dwelling units unless they are part of a larger multi-unit structure. The legislation also modifies rate of growth ordinances, requiring municipalities to review them every three years and allowing different permit limits for rural areas while prohibiting restrictions in designated growth areas. Additionally, it sets minimum affordable housing permit requirements at 10% of total residential permits and establishes specific implementation dates for density and height restriction rules.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Signed Apr 16, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
34
Key actions
9
Committee
8
Apr 16, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor
executive
Apr 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-1041) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-1042) thereto was ADOPTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
On further motion of same Representative House Amendment "A" (H-1042) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-1041) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
On further motion of the same Representative, the House RECONSIDERED ADOPTION of Committee Amendment "A" (H-1041).
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-1041) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM
legislature
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and ordered printed.
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors