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MaineLD 1562132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act Regarding Municipal Road Standards

Sponsored By: Mathew McIntyre (Republican)

Became Law

ROADSROADS - MAINTENANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

You can sue for road defects

If you are hurt or your property is damaged by a defective town way, you can sue the town. You must have sent written notice, and a municipal officer unreasonably failed to repair in a reasonable time. You can seek damages under section 3655.

Petition local board to order repairs

The town’s legislative body may appoint a municipal board of appeals to hear road defect petitions. After a municipal officer has had 5 days’ actual notice or knowledge, any three or more responsible people can petition. The board must hold a hearing near the road, inspect it, and hear from interested people. If the road is unsafe, the board orders needed repairs and sets a deadline; if it is safe for the season and surface, it dismisses the case. The law repeals older sections and uses this board process instead.

Lawful poles and trees not defects

The law says some things are not road defects. Trees, structures, utility poles, and facilities allowed by local ordinances do not count. This limits claims against towns for items lawfully placed in or along the way.

Towns must fix roads after notice

The law requires towns and counties to keep legally established roads safe for motor vehicles. What counts as reasonable repair depends on the road surface and the season. A resident must send written notice to a municipal officer or county commissioner to report an unsafe way. After notice, the official can check the road and recommend a practical repair. If those responsible do not repair in a reasonable time, they can face fines or prosecution.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mathew McIntyre

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Gary Drinkwater

    Republican • House

  • Mark Babin

    Republican • House

  • Michel Lajoie

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 395

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/11/2025Senate

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

    6/10/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-579) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-579), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/10/2025Senate

  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" (H-579).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION in concurrence

    4/10/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/10/2025House

Bill Text

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