Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1940

Introduced
5/7/25  
Refer
5/7/25  
Refer
5/7/25  
Engrossed
6/18/25  

Caption

An Act to Revise the Growth Management Program Laws

Impact

The passage of LD1940 would result in significant changes to how municipalities approach land use and development. By encouraging the creation and adoption of comprehensive plans aimed at orderly development, it seeks to prioritize areas of growth while protecting critical natural resources. The bill advocates for financial assistance from the state to municipalities that adopt local climate action plans, thereby integrating growth management with sustainability goals. This alignment is expected to prepare localities better for future challenges such as climate change.

Summary

LD1940 aims to revise the growth management program laws in Maine, facilitating a more structured and effective land use planning process. This bill emphasizes the necessity for municipalities and multimunicipal regions to adopt comprehensive plans that manage growth while ensuring environmental conservation and sustainable development. It introduces substantial procedural changes aimed at enhancing local governance and aligning them with state-level objectives, focusing on how development can occur without compromising the state's natural resources.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding LD1940 tends toward support among proponents who see it as a vital step in modernizing Maine's land use laws and enhancing local capacities for planning and development. Advocates stress the importance of responsible growth that balances economic development with environmental preservation. However, there are concerns from various stakeholders about the potential overreach of state mandates on local governments, raising issues of autonomy and specific local needs not being adequately addressed.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the debate over local control versus state guidance in growth management. Opponents argue that while the intention behind the bill is positive, it risks imposing generalized solutions that may not fit the unique circumstances of every municipality. The balance between encouraging collaboration among municipalities and maintaining their distinct needs remains a significant discussion point. Additionally, the necessity for adequate resources and technical assistance to implement the changes prescribed by the bill has also been raised as a potential challenge.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1976

An Act to Update the Growth Management Program Laws

ME LD1706

An Act to Clarify Statewide Laws Regarding Affordable Housing and Accessory Dwelling Units

ME LD1358

An Act to Clarify Density Requirements for Affordable Housing Developments

ME LD1540

Resolve, to Establish an Eviction Prevention Pilot Program

ME LD1710

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Improve Tenant-Landlord Relationships and Maximize the Use of Housing Vouchers

ME LD1739

An Act to Extend Development District Tax Increment Financing Districts

ME LD1810

An Act to Expand the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Credit and Establish a Weatherization Tax Credit

ME LD1781

Resolve, to Continue Case Management Services for the Homeless Opioid Users Service Engagement Pilot Project Within the Department of Health and Human Services

ME LD1426

An Act to Secure Housing for the Most Vulnerable Maine Residents by Amending the Laws Governing Municipal General Assistance

ME LD1940

An Act to Promote Consistent Policies within Growth Management Programs in Order to Increase Food Security and Economic Resiliency in Local Communities

Similar Bills

ME LD1976

An Act to Update the Growth Management Program Laws

ME LD1751

An Act to Improve the Growth Management Program Laws

PA HB782

In subdivision and land development, providing for potentially impacted municipalities and further providing for approval of plats and for completion of improvements or guarantee thereof prerequisite to final plat approval; providing for developments of regional significance and impact; and, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for jurisdiction.

ME LD1940

An Act to Promote Consistent Policies within Growth Management Programs in Order to Increase Food Security and Economic Resiliency in Local Communities

PA HB1532

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in comprehensive plan, providing for municipal specific plans; and, in intergovernmental cooperative planning and implementation agreements, further providing for specific plans.

ME LD210

An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027

PA HB699

Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

PA HB659

Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.