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MaineLD 870132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act Regarding the Membership of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission

Sponsored By: William Bridgeo (Democratic)

Became Law

LAND USE PLANNING COMMISSIONLAND USE PLANNING COMMISSION - ADMINISTRATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Funding for two added members

Beginning January 11, 2026, the state funds two added commission members. The department receives $17,800 in 2025–26 and $10,950 in 2026–27. This covers $6,850 for laptops, $9,960 each year for overhead, and $990 each year for per diem.

More local and tribal voices on land board

Beginning January 11, 2026, the land use commission has 11 members. The Governor appoints two. One is a tribal member chosen from the tribes’ joint recommendation. The other must live or work in the area and have natural‑resource expertise. Eight seats come from the counties with the most unorganized acreage. Each county board picks a county resident. County openings are posted at least 30 days. Applicants may apply in writing or online. County appointees need relevant expertise and ties to the commission area. Former residents and retirees with 5+ years’ work also qualify. If a county waits more than 90 business days, the Governor fills the seat with a qualified county resident. County nominees go through the same Senate review and can be withdrawn before the vote. Legislative leaders also appoint one at‑large expert.

Term limits and meeting rules

Beginning January 11, 2026, members serve four‑year terms, up to two in a row. Vacancies are filled by the same appointing authority for the rest of the term. A member may stay past a term only when the Governor tells the Legislature in writing that a major pending case needs it. Reappointed members serve until the Legislature acts. The commission elects a chair and vice‑chair each year. It keeps public minutes and pays members under state law. Meetings are called by the chair or a majority and held in the commission area or a chair‑approved spot. A quorum is five. No action passes unless at least five vote yes and a simple majority agrees. Members receive orientation and yearly training. The commission may adopt rules under state procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William Bridgeo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Lee

    Democratic • House

  • Allison Hepler

    Democratic • House

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Sharon Frost

    Independent • House

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Teresa S. Pierce

    Democratic • Senate

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 95 • No: 83

Senate vote • 6/2/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 20 • No: 14

House vote • 5/29/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 75 • No: 69

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 534

    5/1/2026

  2. HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.

    7/8/2025Senate

  3. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  4. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence

    6/2/2025Senate

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

    6/2/2025House

  6. Reports READ On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 276 Yeas 20 - Nays 14 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-327) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-327) in concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  7. Reports READ.On motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 232(Yeas 75 - Nays 69 - Absent 7 - Excused 0)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-327) 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-327). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/29/2025House

  8. 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

  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    3/4/2025Senate

  10. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/4/2025House

Bill Text

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