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MaineLD 401132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Support Removal of Overboard Discharge Systems

Sponsored By: Allison Hepler (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

WATER QUALITYWATER QUALITY - OVERBOARD DISCHARGES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Income-based grants to replace overboard discharges

The state pays to replace overboard discharges with land-based or sewer options, based on income versus the state median. For overboard discharge owners: 0%–100% of median = 100% paid; 101%–150% = 90%; 151%–200% = 50%; 201%–250% = 25%; above 250% = 0%. For single‑family homes: 0%–50% = 100%; 51%–75% = 90%; 76%–100% = 50%; 101%–110% = 25%; above 110% = 0%. For seasonal homes: 0%–75% = 50%; 76%–110% = 25%; above 110% = 0%. For businesses: ≤150% = 50%; 151%–250% = 25%; above 250% = 0%. For systems serving many homes, the average household income sets the grant. Publicly owned overboard discharge facilities can get a 50% share, up to a cap tied to 500% of the state median. You can be reimbursed for removals after Sept. 30, 1989 if plans were preapproved, contamination was eliminated, and the alternative system was installed and certified. Only one grant is allowed per applicant each calendar year. Income comes from last year’s federal return (sum of all owners; businesses add back depreciation and other noncash deductions).

More state funding for municipal sewer projects

The state pays most costs for municipal or quasi‑municipal pollution‑abatement projects. It pays up to 80% of costs in general, and up to 90% when a project’s construction cost is at or below 250% of the state median household income (using the lower of State Economist or U.S. Census data).

New rules and timelines for overboard discharges

When a property with an overboard discharge is sold, or you start a single construction project on your primary home costing over 100% of the state median income, you must study land‑based options and may have to remove the discharge. If a proven land‑based option is found, installation is generally due within 180 days of the transfer or action; a buyer under 100% of the state median can request a waiver, and some commercial projects can get short extensions. A licensed site evaluator must certify they checked all options, including waste reduction, pretreatment, reduced setbacks, adjoining land or easements, and public sewer connection; the department can require a second evaluation and can ask you to evaluate a spray‑irrigation system at renewal or transfer. The department inspects licensed systems and can add the inspection cost to the annual license fee; for residential systems owned by individuals, if your AGI is under 50% of the state median, your fee is cut by 50%; owners of mechanical systems must keep a maintenance contract each year. If the identified alternative is grant‑eligible but grant money is not available, you do not have to install it until funding is available or as otherwise required by law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Allison Hepler

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 44

    4/25/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/23/2025Senate

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

    4/22/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-51) 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-51), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    4/17/2025Senate

  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-51).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/15/2025House

  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. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES in concurrence

    2/4/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Environment and Natural Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/4/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-51), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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