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MaineLD 1953132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Ensure Public Access to Conservation Land by Providing Protections from Liability to Landowners

Sponsored By: Stacy F. Brenner (Democratic)

Became Law

PUBLIC LANDSPUBLIC LANDS - ACCESS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Liability shields for landowners and easement holders

Effective June 10, 2025, the law strengthens liability protections for public access to private land. If you own land or act for the owner, you are protected when the public uses the land for recreation or harvesting. If you grant or accept an easement or other document that gives the public a perpetual right of access for those activities, you are also protected. When that grant was made in reliance on these protections and is recorded in the county registry of deeds, you get a permanent, vested property right to those protections. That right passes to your heirs, successors, and assigns.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bradlee T. Farrin

    Republican • Senate

  • David Woodsome

    Republican • House

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

  • John Ducharme

    Republican • House

  • Matt A. Harrington

    Republican • Senate

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 256

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

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

    6/2/2025House

  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-187).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-187) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-187).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/7/2025House

  7. Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    5/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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