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LD 928

An Act To Maintain Public Access To Town Ways In Maine

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Roger Albert and 8 co-sponsors

Failed Maine bill aimed to protect public access rights on town roads; voted down in committee without advancing to floor vote.

Reported Out - ONTP
#access #municipalities #roads
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Bill Summary · LD 928

Legislative bill overview

LD 928 sought to establish or reinforce provisions protecting public access to town ways (roads) in Maine, ensuring that roads designated as public thoroughfares remain accessible to residents and the public. The bill was introduced in the 132nd Maine Legislature but ultimately failed to advance, being voted "Ought Not to Pass" (ONTP) in committee and placed in legislative files as dead legislation.

Why is this important

Public access to town ways is a foundational property rights and community infrastructure issue that affects residents' ability to travel, emergency services' access, and local property values. Disputes over road access, private gate installations, and maintenance responsibilities have been recurring conflicts in Maine towns, making statutory clarity on public access rights significant for municipal governance.

Potential points of contention

  • Private property rights versus public access: Balancing landowner property rights with public access claims on roads that may cross or border private property
  • Maintenance and liability responsibility: Unclear delineation of who bears financial and legal responsibility for maintaining public ways and addressing injuries or damage
  • Defining "town ways": Disagreement over which roads qualify as public town ways versus private roads, including dispute over historical designation or informal use patterns
  • Local control concerns: Questions about whether state-level legislation should mandate uniform access policies or allow towns individual flexibility in road management

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

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