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LD 1179

An Act To Establish Minimum Safety Standards For The Construction And Use Of Temporary Emergency Shelters

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marshall Archer and 3 co-sponsors

Requires state to set minimum life- and fire-safety standards for temporary emergency shelters (including RVs), with enforcement, fines, and DPS rulemaking.

Signed by Governor
#constructionstandards #emergencyshelter #housing
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Bill Summary · LD 1179

Summary — LD 1179

An Act To Establish Minimum Safety Standards For The Construction And Use of Temporary Emergency Shelters

Status: Signed by the Governor (June 10, 2025)
Introduced: March 20, 2025 | Sponsor: Rep. Macias (Topsham)
Committee: Housing and Economic Development

Purpose and intent

LD 1179 directs the State to establish minimum life- and fire-safety standards for the construction and operation of temporary emergency shelters. The intent is to reduce fire and other safety hazards at short‑term shelter facilities and to clarify safety requirements for operators and enforcement agencies. During the legislative process, the bill was amended to specifically address fire-safety requirements for recreational vehicles (RVs) used as temporary shelter.

Key provisions

  • Requires the Department of Public Safety (or an identified state agency) to adopt rules establishing minimum life‑ and fire‑safety standards for temporary emergency shelters.
  • Standards to cover construction and safe use of temporary shelters (including, as amended, provisions addressing fire safety for recreational vehicles used as shelters).
  • Provides for enforcement mechanisms; collection of fines for violations is authorized (fines expected to generate minor additional revenue).
  • Implementation depends on agency rulemaking following enactment.

Note: Committee Amendment “A” (H‑420), adopted 6/3/2025, broadened or clarified the bill to include RV fire‑safety provisions; the engrossed bill’s title references “Safety from Fire for Recreational Vehicles.”

Who is affected

  • Operators and owners of temporary emergency shelters (municipalities, non‑profits, faith groups, private providers).
  • Individuals using shelters, including those placed in RVs.
  • Local and state building/fire code and emergency management officials responsible for inspection and enforcement.
  • Department of Public Safety (rulemaking and enforcement responsibilities).

Fiscal and procedural impacts

  • Preliminary fiscal estimate (original bill) projected a General Fund appropriation to the Department of Public Safety of $146,335 in FY2025‑26 (one engineer position and related costs), rising in later years.
  • After amendment, fiscal notes indicate only a minor General Fund cost increase and minor revenue increases to General Fund and other dedicated funds (from fines/penalties). No additional judicial funding required.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to committee (3/20), work session (4/29), OTP‑AM recommendation, passed as amended (6/3/2025), and signed by the Governor (6/10/2025).
  • Implementation timing will depend on the Department’s rulemaking schedule following enactment.

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

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