Housing

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 2230: An Act To Invest In The Construction Of Industrialized Housing

Maine LD 2230 expands the state's Housing Opportunity Program to explicitly support industrialized housing and defines income tiers for affordability purposes. The bill creates a new Industrialized Housing Incentive Program that provides grants or loans of $1,500 to $6,000 per unit to manufacturers of modular, panelized, or innovative housing systems operating in the state. Additionally, it requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to launch a public-private partnership for technical support and workforce training, as well as a competitive pilot program offering financial awards for efficient multifamily construction projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds industrialized housing construction and expands the Housing Opportunity Program to support affordability.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 2078: An Act To Establish The Electricity Cost Fairness Refundable Tax Credit

This bill, as amended, would expand Maine's sales tax exemption to cover all residential electricity sales and deliveries starting July 1, 2026. Currently, only limited categories (such as the first 750 kWh per month, off-peak heating electricity, and low-income program electricity) are exempt. The exemption applies to electricity used in homes (excluding hotels) and multi-unit buildings billed per unit, replacing the existing partial exemption. It includes an emergency clause to take effect immediately, bypassing the standard 90-day waiting period after legislative adjournment, to provide faster tax relief for residential customers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands sales tax exemption for all residential electricity, providing tax relief to homeowners via refundable credit, directly supporting middle-income tax relief.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands sales tax exemption for residential electricity, reducing consumer costs. Protects utility consumers, aligning with support indicators for energy policy.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands sales tax exemption for residential electricity, reducing utility costs for homeowners and renters, thereby increasing housing affordability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 2164: An Act To Assist Communities With Converting Vacant School Buildings Into Housing

This bill creates a new program within the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority to help municipalities convert closed, vacant school buildings into residential housing. The program offers technical and financial assistance to communities that apply, including support for environmental cleanup, zoning navigation, and development planning. A dedicated fund will be established to finance feasibility studies, property improvements, and subsidies for affordable housing units, with an initial appropriation of $5 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Participating municipalities must agree to include a specific percentage of affordable housing in their conversions, as determined through a memorandum of understanding. The redevelopment authority will submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's progress and impact on housing supply and local economies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a dedicated fund and provides financial assistance for converting vacant school buildings into housing, advancing fiscal management and community development through targeted government funding.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates funding program to convert vacant school buildings into housing, directly advancing affordable housing development and utilizing underused properties for residential use.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 2077: An Act To Reduce The Cost Of Purchasing A Home By Providing Grants To Reduce Mortgage Rates

This bill directs the Maine State Housing Authority to administer a program offering grants of up to $15,000 to help reduce mortgage rates for first-time home buyers with incomes within federal limits. The grants are intended for owner-occupied single-family residences and can be used to lower the interest rate on the purchase loan. Additionally, the bill allows Maine taxpayers to deduct private mortgage insurance payments from their state income tax for their primary residence in the state. These changes aim to make homeownership more affordable for lower and moderate-income residents while providing tax relief for mortgage insurance costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides housing assistance grants and allows mortgage insurance tax deductions, supporting affordable housing through state funding and tax relief for first-time home buyers.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides grants to reduce mortgage rates for first-time home buyers and allows tax deductions for mortgage insurance, directly supporting affordable housing access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 1522: An Act To Establish The Maine Eviction Prevention Program

LD 1522 establishes the Maine Eviction Prevention Program within the Maine State Housing Authority to provide rental assistance to low-income renters. It directly affects individuals earning no more than 60% of the area median income who face eviction threats or pay over 30% of their income in rent. The program covers rental arrears and offers up to 12 months of additional help for those paying excessive rent, prioritizing: (1) those with an eviction summons, (2) those with an eviction notice for nonpayment, and (3) those paying over 30% of income in rent. Participants must pay 30% of their income toward rent and live in housing at or below 125% of HUD’s fair market rent, with landlords prohibited from evicting participants for nonpayment during assistance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes rental assistance program to prevent evictions for low-income tenants, directly strengthening tenant protections and affordable housing access per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 255: An Act To Support Mobile Home Residents In Purchasing Their Mobile Home Parks

LD 255 provides $3.5 million in one-time state funding to help mobile home residents purchase their mobile home parks. The bill creates a "manufactured and mobile home park preservation and assistance program" that directly supports residents seeking to buy their parks from owners. This funding, allocated from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-26, aims to prevent displacement by enabling community ownership. The program is specifically designed to assist residents in low-income mobile home communities where park ownership changes could lead to higher rents or forced relocation. The funding is a one-time allocation with no ongoing annual budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $3.5M from General Fund (FY2025-26) to fund mobile home park preservation program, directly supporting low-income housing stability through state budget appropriation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides $3.5M for mobile home residents to purchase parks, preventing displacement and enabling community ownership through dedicated housing program funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 264: An Act To Remove The 12-Month Waiting Period For The Maine Resident Homestead Property Tax Exemption

This bill removes a 12-month residency and ownership waiting period for Maine residents seeking the homestead property tax exemption. Currently, applicants must have lived in Maine and owned their primary home for 12 months to qualify. The bill amends Maine law to allow immediate eligibility for the exemption once a person becomes a permanent Maine resident and owns a homestead. This change directly affects Maine residents who own their primary homes but previously had to wait a year before receiving the tax break. The exemption amount remains $10,000 of a homestead’s value.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves residency requirement for homestead tax exemption, providing immediate property tax relief to qualifying homeowners. Directly advances tax relief for residents under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves 12-month residency wait for homestead tax exemption, lowering property costs and increasing housing affordability for homeowners.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 1022: An Act To Protect And Increase Access To Justice In Civil Legal Matters For Persons With Low Incomes

LD 1022 requires Maine to appropriate $9.5 million annually starting July 1, 2026, for civil legal aid services targeting low-income residents. It directly affects approximately 356,500 Mainers living below 200% of the federal poverty level who face civil legal issues like eviction, domestic violence, or benefits disputes without representation. Key provisions mandate quarterly fund distribution through the Civil Legal Services Fund Commission, annual reporting on unmet legal needs (including attorney-to-resident ratios), and biennial legislative hearings to assess funding adequacy. The bill aims to sustain and improve access to justice by ensuring consistent, increased funding for legal assistance in civil matters.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $9.5M annually for civil legal aid, increasing public service funding under state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds legal aid to prevent evictions and address housing disputes for low-income residents, directly protecting tenant rights and housing stability.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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signed · Maine · House Apr 15, 2026

LD 2116: An Act To Make Permanent The Affordable Housing Income Tax Credit

This bill makes Maine's affordable housing income tax credit permanent by removing its expiration date of December 31, 2028. The program allows developers to receive tax credits for building or preserving affordable housing units, which they can use to offset their state income tax liability. Key provisions include maintaining an annual credit allocation cap of $15 million, setting aside 10% of credits for rural development preservation projects, and allowing unused credits to be carried forward to future years. The legislation directly affects housing developers and property owners who qualify for the tax credit, ensuring continued financial incentives for affordable housing development beyond the previous sunset date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill makes affordable housing tax credit permanent, providing ongoing tax relief for developers and preserving essential housing programs through state tax policy.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes affordable housing tax credit permanent, directly funding and strengthening affordable housing development and preservation programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Maine · House Apr 13, 2026

LD 2231: An Act To Support Owners Of Manufactured Housing, Mobile Homes And Tiny Homes

This Maine bill expands consumer protections and financing options for owners of manufactured housing, mobile homes, and tiny homes by clarifying that these structures are treated as real estate for mortgage purposes. It establishes a mediation process that residents can trigger if a community owner proposes lot rent or fee increases exceeding the regional Consumer Price Index, requiring the owner to provide detailed cost comparisons in advance. The legislation also creates a formal procedure for owners to convert their mobile home titles into real property deeds, which facilitates traditional home financing and requires landowners to consent to this process without unreasonable delay. Additionally, the bill reduces minimum lot size requirements for new mobile home parks and mandates that purchasers of these communities hire a third party to inspect the site's infrastructure before closing a deal.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands consumer protections and financing for manufactured housing owners and limits rent increases via mediation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing