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LD 1709

An Act Regarding Antique Automobiles

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dean Cray and 9 co-sponsors

Lower antique vehicle age from 35 to 25 years, expanding eligibility; a one-time $63,364 tech cost to SOS, with no ongoing costs and only minor revenue impact.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#antique #motorvehicles #registration
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Bill Summary · LD 1709

Summary of LD 1709 — An Act Regarding Antique Automobiles

Overview

LD 1709, titled An Act Regarding Antique Automobiles, proposed to adjust the age threshold for what qualifies as an antique vehicle. The bill was introduced on April 17, 2025, and was ultimately placed in legislative files as DEAD pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 on May 20, 2025. It originated in the Transportation Committee.

What the bill would do

  • Change the antique vehicle threshold: Lower the age requirement for a vehicle to be considered "antique" from 35 years to 25 years. This expands the pool of vehicles that could qualify as antique under Maine’s registration and regulatory frameworks.
  • The bill’s language, as reflected in the fiscal note, indicates the primary statutory change is the redefinition of “antique” based on age; other specific regulatory implications (fees, exemptions, or registration procedures) are not detailed in the available material.

Fiscal impact (as noted in the Fiscal Note)

  • Initial one-time cost to the Highway Fund: $63,364 in Fiscal Year 2025-26, needed by the Department of the Secretary of State for technology costs to implement the change.
  • Ongoing costs: Net cost to the Highway Fund is projected to be $0 in FY 2026-27 onward; no ongoing appropriation is shown in the fiscal projections.
  • Revenue implications: The bill notes that the collection of additional fines would increase General Fund or other dedicated revenue by minor amounts.
  • Judicial/Corrections impact: The anticipated increase in cases would be minimal and does not require additional funding at this time.

Who is affected

  • Vehicle owners with vehicles aged 25–34 years (and those approaching the 25-year threshold) could become eligible for antique vehicle status sooner, potentially affecting registration category, compliance requirements, or related regulatory treatment.
  • The Maine Secretary of State’s office (specifically the Division/agency handling vehicle registration) would implement the change, including a one-time technology cost.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: April 17, 2025
  • Committee: Transportation
  • Actions: Referred to Transportation (April 17); Work Session (May 7); Reported Out – ONTP (May 13); Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (May 20)
  • LR/Document: Fiscal Note LR 1828(01) approved May 9, 2025

Key takeaways

  • The bill’s core change is a redefinition of “antique” to include vehicles 25 years and older.
  • Financially, it imposes a one-time $63,364 technology cost to the Secretary of State in FY 2025-26; no sustained budget impact expected after that.
  • Revenue impacts from fines are expected to be minor; overall fiscal effect after implementation is nominal.
  • Status is currently dead; no further action anticipated unless revived.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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