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MaineLD 1132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine's Communities, Homes and Infrastructure

Sponsored By: Matthea E. L. Daughtry (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Homeowner grants to storm-proof homes

The law creates the Home Resiliency Program to fund projects that protect homes from extreme weather. You must own and live in the home, be a first‑time program recipient, and choose a project from the state’s approved list. The bureau may set income tiers and grant caps and reviews complete applications in the order received. The Home Resiliency Fund gets $15 million within 90 days, plus $7.5 million in 2025–26 and $7.5 million in 2026–27 for grants.

Better flood maps and local help

The State Resilience Office now runs Maine’s floodplain program and the State Floodplain Mapping Fund. Flood‑Ready Maine gets a one‑time $5.75 million in 2025–26 for new hydrologic models, a risk data hub, and updated flood maps. The office adds a geospatial data manager. It also funds $1.6 million each year for regional grants so certified floodplain managers can provide technical help, training, and public outreach.

Low-interest hazard loans for towns

The state creates a revolving loan fund run by the emergency management agency. It offers low‑interest loans to counties, towns, and tribes for projects that cut flood and storm risk, as federal rules allow. The state provides $750,000 and a small federal match to unlock federal funding. A temporary grant specialist runs the fund and helps local governments apply.

More disaster recovery money and alerts

The state transfers $10 million to the Disaster Recovery Fund within 90 days and provides a one‑time $10 million allocation for state disaster costs. It also transfers $477,313 and $800,000 to the emergency management agency. A two‑year communications upgrade gets $800,000 in 2025–26 and $500 in 2026–27. A temporary alerts manager coordinates public warning upgrades through June 18, 2027.

New State Resilience Office and fund

The law creates the State Resilience Office in the Maine Office of Community Affairs to coordinate funding and help. Starting October 1, 2026, it reports each year on how it uses transferred funds. Within 90 days, $9.633 million moves to the State Resilience Fund. Beginning in fiscal year 2027–28, $1.755 million transfers each year if the insurance superintendent verifies surplus, within 90 days after the prior fiscal year. By October 1, 2025, any unobligated Community Resilience Partnership balances and federal funds shift to the office.

Home resiliency grant rules and timeline

Grants are not awarded before May 1, 2026. If you get a grant, you must finish the approved work within two years and return any unused money. The bureau can use contractors and adopt technical rules to run the program. This chapter does not create a private right to sue.

Resilience program transition and safeguards

The State Resilience Office runs the Community Resilience Partnership Program and aligns help with the state climate plan. Existing program rules stay in effect until the new office changes them. Transfers of administration, including floodplain programs and mapping, happen only when the office has enough funds; until then, the current agencies keep running them.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Billy Bob Faulkingham

    Republican • House

  • Trey L. Stewart

    Republican • Senate

  • Ryan Fecteau

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 33

    5/1/2026

  2. Taken from the table by the President PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    4/22/2025Senate

  3. On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ENACTMENT Unfinished Business

    4/17/2025Senate

  4. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/15/2025House

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-9).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/10/2025House

  6. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-9) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-9).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    4/8/2025Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  8. Report was READ and ACCEPTED.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/28/2025House

  9. Report READ and ACCEPTED On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin for the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Sent down for concurrence

    1/21/2025Senate

  10. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

  11. Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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