LD 746 allows Maine municipalities to impose a 2% local sales tax on short-term lodging (like hotels and vacation rentals) if approved by voters through a referendum. The tax must be applied only to lodging already subject to state sales tax, and requires voter approval with a majority vote and at least 20% turnout from the previous gubernatorial election. Ten percent of the revenue collected must fund Maine's affordable housing programs through the State Housing Authority, while the remaining 90% goes directly to the municipality that enacted the tax. The tax cannot be applied in unorganized territory and cannot take effect before January 1, 2026.
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.
LD 901 requires the Maine State Housing Authority to negotiate purchasing the Bangor Mall property in Bangor within 12 months. If purchase negotiations fail, the Authority may use eminent domain to acquire the property. Within six months of acquisition, the Authority must report on conversion costs and propose legislation creating the Bangor Mall Housing Authority, which would develop affordable housing units (1-3 bedrooms) for residents earning 2-4 times the federal poverty level. The bill appropriates $25 million for the purchase and infrastructure improvements. This directly affects the mall's current owners and aims to transform the property into affordable housing.
LD 1036 amends Maine's housing discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on "status as a recipient of federal, state or local public assistance," including housing subsidies and medical assistance. The bill directly affects housing providers (landlords, managers, agents) and public assistance recipients by making it unlawful to refuse housing, make discriminatory inquiries, or advertise based on this status. Key provisions ban actions like denying rentals, setting different terms, or evicting tenants solely because of public assistance status, adding it to existing protected categories like race and disability. This creates concrete legal protections for individuals relying on public assistance to secure housing.
This bill modifies Maine's zoning laws to increase housing options in larger municipalities. It requires towns with populations over 10,000 to allow up to four residential units on a single lot (instead of two) if the lot has no existing home and is in a designated growth area or has certain utility infrastructure. It also mandates that these municipalities permit accessory dwelling units (like guest houses) on single-family lots in all residential zones. The law applies only to municipalities exceeding 10,000 residents and does not restrict existing zoning rules for smaller towns.
LD 1476 imposes a $2 fee on the rental of living quarters in hotels or short-term rentals, and on recreational vehicle camping reservations, starting January 1, 2026. The revenue generated from this fee must be directed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. This funding is specifically designated to support the operational costs of homeless shelters across the state. The bill directly affects property owners and renters in the hospitality and camping sectors, while providing new resources for shelter services.
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.
