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LD 1282

An Act Regarding Eligibility For Historic Preservation Bond Proceeds

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ann Fredericks and 9 co-sponsors

Expands historic preservation grant eligibility to include properties designated by municipal ordinances or plans, with an ongoing $25,000/year General Fund support for MHPC admin

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
#culturalagencies #eligibility #historicpreservation
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Bill Summary · LD 1282

LD 1282 — An Act Regarding Eligibility For Historic Preservation Bond Proceeds

Basic Information

  • Bill Number: LD 1282
  • Title: An Act Regarding Eligibility For Historic Preservation Bond Proceeds
  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Status: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature (Joint Order SP 800)
  • Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
  • Subject: Cultural agencies; eligibility; historic preservation
  • Sponsor: Sen. Hickman (Kennebec)

Purpose and Intent

LD 1282 seeks to expand the eligibility criteria for grants funded by historic preservation bond proceeds. Specifically, it broadens the set of properties that can receive grants for preservation and restoration, by recognizing properties designated as historic either by municipal historic preservation ordinances or, as amended, by municipal comprehensive plans. The goal is to enable more properties to access preservation funding administered by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC).

Key Provisions

  • Expands eligibility for historic preservation grants to include properties designated as historic by:
    • Municipal historic preservation ordinances, and
    • (as amended) municipal comprehensive plans.
  • Administrative and funding provisions:
    • Creates ongoing General Fund appropriations of $25,000 per year for MHPC to cover additional administrative costs associated with the expanded eligibility.
    • Authorized starting in fiscal year 2025-26 (FY 2025-26) and continuing annually through at least FY 2028-29, per the fiscal notes.
  • Administrative scope:
    • The funds are designated to support the increased administrative workload necessary to process and administer grants for newly eligible properties.

Fiscal Impact

  • Net Cost (General Fund) and Appropriations (General Fund): $25,000 per year, FY 2025-26 through FY 2028-29 (as projected in the fiscal notes).
  • The Maine Historic Preservation Commission indicates ongoing annual costs of $25,000 to handle the expanded grant-eligibility framework.
  • Fiscal Note references:
    • Document 3 (LR 1423(01)): Preliminary fiscal impact shows $25,000 per year starting FY 2025-26.
    • Document 4 (LR 1423(02)): Amended fiscal note confirms ongoing $25,000 per year starting FY 2025-26, to cover administrative costs for expanded eligibility.

Affected Parties

  • Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) — responsible for administering grants and absorbing the additional administrative costs.
  • Municipalities and property owners seeking preservation grants for designated historic properties.
  • General Fund of the State (ongoing appropriation source).

Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025.
  • Moves through Education and Cultural Affairs; amendments considered (notably Committee Amendment "A" (S-96)).
  • Readings and votes culminated in May 2025 with passage to be enacted and concurrence steps.
  • As of June 25, 2025: Carried over to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature per Joint Order SP 800.

Summary

LD 1282 proposes to broaden grant eligibility for historic preservation bond proceeds to include properties designated by municipal ordinances or comprehensive plans, with a dedicated annual General Fund appropriation of $25,000 to MHPC for the added administrative costs. The bill has progressed through the legislative process but has been carried over to a future session, keeping its status and potential enactment contingent on future action.

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

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