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MaineLD 1041132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Preserve Affordability in Publicly Assisted Housing Developments

Sponsored By: Grayson Lookner (Democratic)

Became Law

HOUSINGHOUSING - ASSISTANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Advance notice and buy option for affordable rentals

Owners of covered affordable rentals must give at least 90 days’ notice before a sale, mortgage prepay, or other move that ends income or rent limits or aid. After notice, the Maine State Housing Authority or the local housing authority can choose to buy the property at its current appraised value. They must say so within 90 days, then have 90 more days after appraisals to close or find a buyer, with extra time for approvals plus 60 days. The authority may assign this option to a nonprofit. If a real buyer signs to keep all affordability rules unchanged, the authority cannot use the option, but notice still applies. If the owner fails to notify on time, the authority still gets its full 90 days to declare intent.

Six months at same rent after sale

If a sale or other action ends financial help for the property, current tenants can stay six months at the same rent. The owner may instead move tenants to comparable units with similar rent under Maine State Housing Authority rules.

Two-year warning when affordability ends

Owners must tell tenants and housing authorities when affordability rules or financial help will end. If the end is two or more years away, they must mail notice at least two years before. If it is sooner, they must mail notice by November 30, 2025. Notices must list the property address, owner name and address, and the end date. They must send notices by first‑class mail with return receipt and also leave tenant notices at the door.

Clear rules on which buildings are covered

The law replaces an old section with new definitions for this housing program. It explains key terms like affordability restriction and financial assistance, including grants, loans, rental aid, subsidies, and tax credits. It defines a holder as the state or local housing authority with a purchase option. It says covered buildings are rentals with five or more units that have affordability rules or received public assistance. These definitions make clear who and what the other protections apply to.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Grayson Lookner

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

  • Anne-Marie Mastraccio

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl Golek

    Democratic • House

  • Deqa Dhalac

    Democratic • House

  • Drew Gattine

    Democratic • House

  • Jill C. Duson

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Eder

    Republican • House

  • Marc Malon

    Democratic • House

  • Richard Campbell

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 381

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/17/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-740) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-740) in concurrence

    6/16/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative GERE of Kennebunkport, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-740) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-740). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. Received by the Clerk of the House on March 12, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    3/12/2025House

Bill Text

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