January 18, 2024

Advocacy Success!

Last week on January 11th, LD 2003, "An Act to Protect Access to Maine's Intertidal Zone was successfully voted "Ought Not to Pass" out of the Joint Standing Marine Resources Committee. On the recommendation of the bill sponsor, Senate President Troy Jackson, LD 2003 will likely be defeated. This is a major step in the right direction for the protection of Private Property Rights and positive momentum in our advocacy efforts for the session!

You're Invited! Meet & Greet, January 23rd:

On next Tuesday, January 23rd from 4:30-6:30pm we invite you to the Senator Inn in Augusta for a social reception with our state Senators and Representatives! This is a great opportunity to meet your Legislator and let them know you are resource in their community!

Learn more about our top priority bills here!

*pictured left: REALTOR® member legislators at the 2023 Meet & Greet Event. Left to Right: Rep. Mark Blier (HD 138), Rep Joshua Morris (HD 91), Rep Jack Ducharme (HD 71), Rep Vicki Doudera (HD 41), Senator Matt Pouliot (SD 15) and Rep Amy Arata (HD 104)

Check out the Most Current Bill Tracking Report

Looking to the future:

Every two years, MAR reviews and updates our Public Policy Statement to ensure the position the association takes on proposed legislation properly reflects the membership perspective. Later this year, in preparation of a new legislative session for 2025-2026, MAR will conduct that process once more. Over the next few months MAR will seek feedback around different subject areas as they relate to real estate, private property rights and the economy. Please consider answering these 1-2 question polls to ensure your voice is heard on these important policy topics.

(All submissions are anonymous)

Topic #1: Short Term Rentals-Tell us what you think!

Want to better understand how an idea becomes a law in Maine?

Click on graphic to learn more about each step of the process.

Updated Zoning Laws across Maine!

With the turning of the calendar year, many municipalities across the state have implemented changes to their local ordinances and comprehensive plans to include language around Pl. 2021, Ch. 672. DECD has reported that only about 100 communities so far have applied for grant funding through the department's Housing Opportunities Program. The program has funding available for municipalities to assist with expenses including legal fees, staff/volunteer time, and public meeting expenses associated with updating their zoning ordinance to allow for ADUs in their communities .

January 1, 2024 deadline -applicable to municipalities that adopt ordinances through town/city council.

July 1, 2024 deadline- for municipalities that adopt ordinances through town meeting.

Code Changes Conversation:

On Tuesday, January 9th MAR hosted a webinar with the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Maine. We had a great conversation around issues as they relate to our industry, in particular the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Codes that will be implemented this year. Currently MUBEC is working on the 21-codes (drafted and approved 2021) and the department has 2 years to finalize and implement. These minimum code standards will impact builders in Maine and concerns of housing affordability and inventory are top of mind for HBRAME. HBRAME's national affiliate National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released a letter in November 2023 urging Congress to "abandon their proposal" around changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards for GSE's (Fannie and Freddie). The National Association of Home Builders urged that the changes would gravely impact American households during a time of historically low housing inventory.

Are you registered to VOTE?

Have you relocated recently? Ensure you are properly registered to vote for the Maine Primary Election on March 5, 2024. Check your status and voting location here.