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LD 970

An Act To Prioritize Affordable Housing By Expediting Reviews For Affordable Housing Projects Applying For Funding From The Maine State Housing Authority

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Prioritize and expedite MSHA funding reviews for qualifying affordable housing projects to speed approvals, accelerate construction, and expand Maine's affordable homes.

Signed by Governor
#funding #housingauthority #programs
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Bill Summary · LD 970

Summary — LD 970: An Act To Prioritize Affordable Housing By Expediting Reviews For Affordable Housing Projects Applying For Funding From The Maine State Housing Authority

Status: Signed by Governor (6/11/2025)
Introduced: 3/7/2025
Committee: Housing and Economic Development
Classification/Subjects: Funding; Housing Authority; Programs

Purpose and intent

LD 970 is intended to accelerate the development of affordable housing by giving projects that apply for funding from the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) priority in review processes. The bill’s stated goal is to reduce administrative delays that slow down financing and construction of affordable housing, thereby increasing the pace at which affordable units become available.

Key provisions (as described by title and legislative summary)

  • Directs MSHA and related reviewing entities to prioritize and expedite review of applications for projects that meet the bill’s affordable-housing criteria and are applying for MSHA funding.
  • Establishes an expedited review pathway or priority status for qualifying projects (specific procedural mechanisms and definitions are established in the bill text or implementing guidance).
  • Assigns responsibility to MSHA and potentially other state or local review bodies to apply the prioritization in funding and approval processes.

Note: The official enrolled/enacted text (including Committee Amendment “A” (H‑449), which was adopted) contains the exact definitions, timelines, and procedural requirements. That amendment materially affected the engrossed bill and was the version enacted.

Who is affected

  • Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA): charged with applying the prioritization and any procedural changes.
  • Affordable housing developers and applicants: may receive faster review and funding decisions when applying to MSHA.
  • Local permitting and review authorities: may see adjustments in coordination or timing when projects are designated for expedited MSHA-related review.
  • Maine residents in need of affordable housing: stand to benefit from faster project completion and increased supply.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes filed for the bill (including as amended by Committee Amendment and the engrossed version) conclude: No fiscal impact to the State.

Legislative timeline / status

  • Referred to Committee on Housing and Economic Development: 3/7/2025
  • Committee action: Work sessions, voted OTP‑AM; Committee Amendment A (H‑449) adopted
  • Passed both chambers and enrolled: early June 2025
  • Signed by Governor: 6/11/2025 (now law)

Implementation and next steps

  • For precise deadlines, definitions of “affordable housing project,” and procedural detail, consult the enacted bill text (LD 970, as engrossed and amended) and any MSHA implementing guidance or rules issued following enactment.

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

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