AUGUSTA - A legislative committee voted on Thursday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, aimed at improving housing availability and affordability.
As amended, LD 1337 would clarify in statute that municipalities have the home rule authority to implement a vacancy impact fee on units not designated as primary residences. It also gives municipalities the flexibility to decide how their fee would be structured and makes clear that revenues must be used for the purpose of housing availability and affordability.
"Maine is in the midst of a housing crisis that is continuing to worsen," said Kessler. "After soliciting feedback from numerous municipalities, state agencies and stakeholders across the political spectrum, I adapted this bill to create a solution that is aimed at addressing the heart of this issue. Empowering municipalities to implement this regulatory tool under their home rule authority will allow each community to determine their best path forward."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Kessler is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents District 32, part of South Portland and part of Cape Elizabeth.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Kessler], c. 812-1111