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132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
FIRST REGULAR SESSION-2025
Legislative Document No. 161H.P. 94House of Representatives, January 14, 2025
Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a
Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State
Subdivision Laws
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and
ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison.
Cosponsored by Senator BRADSTREET of Kennebec and
Representatives: COLLAMORE of Pittsfield, CRAY of Palmyra, GERE of Kennebunkport,
ROBERTS of South Berwick, SAYRE of Kennebunk, Senators: BENNETT of Oxford,
BLACK of Franklin. Page 1 - 132LR0387(01)1 That the Department of
2 Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall convene a stakeholder group to review the
3 subdivision laws in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A,
4 chapter 187, subchapter 4; and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6. The stakeholder
5 group shall submit to the department a report that includes findings and recommendations
6 regarding a comprehensive overhaul and modernization of the subdivision laws that
7 promotes development in growth areas; reduces development pressure in rural areas;
8 protects public health, safety and welfare; advances state goals to produce affordable
9 housing; and streamlines the development review process.
10 That, at a minimum, the
11 stakeholder group must include:
12 1. A member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;
13 2. A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;
14 3. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee;
15 4. The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the commissioner's designee;
16 5. A representative from a county registry of deeds;
17 6. A representative from a municipal government who has experience with subdivision
18 law or an individual currently employed in the State as a code enforcement officer;
19 7. A representative from a regional planning agency;
20 8. A resident of the State who owns land of significant acreage in the unorganized
21 territory; and
22 9. A representative of the real estate development industry.
23 That, by December 3, 2025, the
24 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall submit a report that includes
25 the stakeholder group's findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to
26 the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over subdivision review
27 matters under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, chapter 187,
28 subchapter 4; and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6. The joint standing committees
29 may report out legislation related to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd
30 Legislature.
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32 This resolve requires the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to
33 convene a stakeholder group to review and make recommendations concerning a
34 comprehensive overhaul and modernization of the subdivision laws in the Maine Revised
35 Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, chapter 187, subchapter 4; and Title 38,
36 chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6. The resolve lists the minimum membership requirements
37 for the stakeholder group. The department is required to submit a report to the joint
38 standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over subdivision review matters
39 under those laws by December 3, 2025 and those committees may report out legislation
40 related to that report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
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