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MaineLD 65132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

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)

Became Law

PROTECTED NATURAL RESOURCESPROTECTED NATURAL RESOURCES - WETLANDS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

One definition for Maine coastal wetlands

The law uses one definition of "coastal wetlands" for state permits and town shoreland zoning. It includes areas with salt-tolerant plants in saltwater or estuaries, and all tidal and subtidal lands. It also covers any swamp, marsh, bog, beach, flat, or other lowland reached by the highest astronomical tide set by NOAA; parts of coastal sand dunes can count. This can change which parts of a coastal property need permits. The Governor approved the law on May 29, 2025, and agencies now apply the same rule.

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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 128

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

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

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report 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.

    5/21/2025Senate

  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-161).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/20/2025House

  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. Received 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

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