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MaineLD 1547132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Fund Maine's Snowmobile Trail Programs

Sponsored By: Russell J. Black (Republican)

Became Law

MISCELLANEOUS TAXESMISCELLANEOUS TAXES - EXCISE TAX

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Help to buy and fix grooming gear

Starting July 1, 2027, the Off‑Road Recreational Vehicle Office uses its special fund to help trail‑grooming contractors buy, repair, or overhaul grooming machines. Only entities with a grooming contract with the Bureau of Parks and Lands can receive this help.

Agency funding and IT upgrades

Starting July 1, 2027, 13.41% of a cross‑referenced registration revenue amount goes to the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for uses named in Title 12. The law also provides a one‑time $230,768 appropriation in fiscal year 2026–27 to update the snowmobile registration computer system.

How Maine splits registration money

Starting July 1, 2027, the state splits registration money among key funds each year after required transfers. For residents: 22% goes to the General Fund, 52% to the Snowmobile Trail Fund, and 26% to the owner’s town or county. For nonresidents: 18% goes to the General Fund, 7% to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund, and the rest to the Snowmobile Trail Fund. These rules keep steady funding for trails, local governments, and enforcement.

New snowmobile registration fees for 2027

Beginning July 1, 2027, Maine sets new snowmobile registration fees. Residents pay $55 if issued July 1–Dec 15, or $70 if issued Dec 16–June 30. Nonresidents pay $94 for 3 days, $119 for 10 days, and seasonal $119 (July 1–Dec 15) or $150 (Dec 16–June 30). Each registration sends set dollars to state funds. Examples: a resident pass issued July 1–Dec 15 sends $17 to the Snowmobile Trail Fund and $10 to the Off‑Road fund; a nonresident seasonal issued Dec 16–June 30 sends $47 to the Trail Fund and $20 to the Off‑Road fund; 3‑day and 10‑day passes also send $5 to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund.

Possible extra snowmobile service fees

Beginning July 1, 2027, the Bureau of Parks and Lands can charge reasonable fees for snowmobile services and materials when its dedicated money runs short. All such fees go to the Snowmobile Trail Fund. Snowmobile users may pay more when demand is high and funds are low.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dean Cray

    Republican • House

  • James Thorne

    Republican • House

  • Richard Mason

    Republican • House

  • Stacey K. Guerin

    Republican • Senate

  • Stephen Wood

    Republican • House

  • Timothy Guerrette

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 676

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/6/2026Senate

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

    4/2/2026House

  4. 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-612).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/2/2026House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-612) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-612).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  7. Report was READ and ACCEPTED.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRYIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  8. Report READ and ACCEPTED.On motion by Senator GROHOSKI of Hancock for the Committee on TAXATION the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/20/2025Senate

  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TAXATION.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/10/2025House

  10. Committee on TAXATION suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on TAXATION Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    4/10/2025Senate

Bill Text

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