Housing

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.

This bill (LD 365) is a concept draft proposing to amend Maine law to address housing affordability and accessibility issues. It does not detail specific provisions or mechanisms, as it is in early development under Joint Rule 208. The bill directly aims to respond to Maine's housing crisis but lacks concrete policy changes in the provided text. As a concept draft, it has not yet specified how it would affect renters, homeowners, or developers. No voting record or further details are available in the current document.

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.

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.