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MaineLD 2097132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Modify the Law Governing Revocation of a Code Enforcement Officer's Certification

Sponsored By: Traci Gere (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

MUNICIPALITIESMUNICIPALITIES - MUNICIPAL OFFICERS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Code officers face discipline with appeal rights

Maine replaces District Court certificate revocation with an agency discipline process for code enforcement officers. Grounds include unmet certification requirements, false material statements, specified misconduct, and repeated failure to perform authorized duties effectively. Officials can deny or refuse renewal, change or revoke certificates, issue warnings, or suspend certification for up to 3 years. Probation can require training or supervision at the certificate holder's expense; breaking its terms can bring further discipline. Guidance letters are public and can remain in the officer's file for up to 10 years. Officials can also negotiate certificate surrender or consent agreements, which are enforceable in Superior Court. Officers facing serious sanctions have 21 days to request a hearing or lose that right. Hearings must occur within 60 days of the request, and decisions must be written. Certificate holders have 30 days to seek Superior Court review.

Longer certificate extensions for code officers

From July 20, 2026, through July 20, 2028, Maine allows longer code enforcement certificate extensions when training or exams are suspended. The Office of Community Affairs can extend expired or soon-to-expire certificates with written approval. Extensions can last up to 24 months instead of the usual maximum of 12 months; they cannot exceed 24 months.

Revoked code officers can seek reinstatement

A person with a revoked Maine code enforcement certificate can apply to the division director for reinstatement after one year. The person must remain otherwise eligible and complete the training required for people whose certification has lapsed. Applying does not guarantee reinstatement.

New complaint reviews for code officers

A new 7-member committee reviews complaints about Maine code enforcement certificate holders and recommends action to the division director. Two members serve on the state building codes board; five are Maine residents with relevant experience. At least one resident member comes from a statewide code officers' organization list. A majority, including one board member, must attend for the committee to act. Within 60 days of a complaint, the officer, employer, and originating jurisdiction must receive notice. Officers have 30 days to respond; employers must review or respond within 30 days and report findings and recommended action.

Private officer complaints, public hearing decisions

Complaints about code enforcement certificate holders, replies, and investigation materials are confidential. If the person involved requests a formal hearing, that hearing is public. Hearing decisions and the division director's complaint decisions and findings must be written and are public records. An appeal does not make the hearing decision private.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Traci Gere

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 20 • No: 10

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 20 • No: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 684

    4/13/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/7/2026Senate

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

    4/7/2026House

  4. Reports READOn motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED in concurrence. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 881 Yeas 20 - Nays 10 - Excused 5 - Absent 0 READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-974) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-974) in concurrence.

    4/6/2026Senate

  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-974) 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-974). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/6/2026House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence

    1/7/2026Senate

  7. Committee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-974), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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