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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)

Signed by Governor

HOUSINGHOUSING - ASSISTANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Housing authorities get first chance to buy

The Maine State Housing Authority or a municipal housing authority can buy low‑income housing to keep it affordable. They must state their intent within 90 days after they get the owner’s notice. The price is the current appraised value, set by appraisers for the owner and the authority. After the appraisal, the authority has 90 days to close or find another buyer on its terms. This period can be extended by agreement, and it also extends for needed government approvals plus 60 days. The authority may assign its option to a nonprofit and can require added income and rent limits. If a real buyer signs a contract to keep all affordability rules and assistance unchanged, the authority does not get an option.

Six months at same rent after sale

If a sale, transfer, or other action ends financial assistance for your building, you can stay for six months. You pay the same rent or the same share of rent you paid right before the change. The owner can instead move you to a comparable unit with a comparable rent under housing authority rules.

Renters get 90-day and 2-year notices

Owners of low‑income housing must give written notice before selling, transferring, or ending affordability or assistance. The notice must come at least 90 days before they sign a sale or take that action. Not giving notice does not cut the 90‑day window that housing authorities have to act. Owners must also give advance notice when affordability rules or assistance will expire. If the end date is two or more years away, they must mail notice at least two years before. If it ends in less than two years, they must mail notice by November 30, 2025. Notices go by first‑class mail with return receipt, and a copy must be left at each tenant’s door. Notices must list the property address, owner contact, the end date, and any details the Maine State Housing Authority requires.

What housing this law covers

The law explains which buildings are covered. It covers rentals with five or more units that have rent or income limits or get public assistance tied to affordability. It defines affordability restrictions and financial assistance, including grants, loans, rental help, subsidies, and tax credits. It also defines the “holder” as the state or a municipal housing authority that can use the purchase option.

Prior housing section is repealed

The law repeals 30‑A MRSA §4972 from 2023. Those prior rules no longer apply. Owners, housing authorities, and tenants now follow the new framework in this act.

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. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 381

    6/20/2025

  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

  • Amendment C-A (H-740), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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