An Act to Update the Definition of "Coastal Wetlands" Under the Natural Resources Protection Act and the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Laws
Sponsored By: Victoria Doudera (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New coastal wetland rules for property owners
The law updates and aligns the definition of coastal wetlands used in Maine’s shoreland zoning and Natural Resources Protection Act rules. Land counts as coastal wetlands if it has salt tolerant plants in saltwater or estuary habitat. It also covers all tidal and subtidal areas and connected lowlands reached by the highest astronomical tide set by NOAA. Coastal wetlands can include parts of coastal sand dunes. This can expand permit areas and add costs for owners and developers, while strengthening protection and flood buffers for communities.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Victoria Doudera
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 128
5/29/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-161) 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-161), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/21/2025SenateCONSENT 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-161).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/20/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on January 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
1/6/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-161), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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