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LD 735

An Act To Protect Sand Dunes On Sears Island And To Establish Criteria For Legislation Regarding Land Development

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Alicia Collins and 9 co-sponsors

Protect Sears Island sand dunes and set criteria for land development to guide coastal conservation and future development decisions.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#coastalareas #protections #sanddunes
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Bill Summary · LD 735

Summary of LD 735 (LR 284(01))

Overview

LD 735 is an Act titled “An Act To Protect Sand Dunes On Sears Island And To Establish Criteria For Legislation Regarding Land Development.” Introduced on February 25, 2025, the bill falls under the environmental and coastal protection theme, focusing on sand dunes and land development criteria. The sponsor is Rep. Paul of Winterport, and the bill was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Current status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD). The bill did not advance in the 132nd Legislature and was ultimately reported as defeated/prohibited from further consideration in this session.

What the Bill Would Do

  • The stated aim is to protect sand dunes on Sears Island and to establish criteria for legislation concerning land development.
  • The available documents do not include the full text or specific provisions; as a result, the summary cannot enumerate exact restrictions, designations, or regulatory mechanisms. The intent, however, is to enhance protections for dune ecosystems on Sears Island and provide a framework or standards for future land development measures.

Fiscal Impact

  • A Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement indicates minor savings to the Highway Fund.
  • The Department of Transportation would not need a budget change as a result of this bill.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Paul of Winterport; Committee: Environment and Natural Resources.

Procedural History (Key Dates)

  • 2025-02-25: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
  • 2025-03-19: Work session held; divided report voted.
  • 2025-04-11: Reported Out (ONTP/OTP).
  • 2025-04-15: Passed at the House with Roll Call No. 83 (81 Yeas, 65 Nays, etc.); sent for concurrence.
  • 2025-04-17: Majority Ought Not to Pass Report ACCEPTED; placed in Legislative Files (DEAD).

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

  • Geographic/Environmental: Sears Island and its dune ecosystems, coastal environments, and any stakeholders involved in land development on or near Sears Island.
  • Government/Regulatory: Maine Department of Transportation (potentially minor budget impact or coordination needs related to dune protections); Department structures may align with the new criteria framework if enacted in the future.
  • General Public: Those interested in coastal conservation, dune preservation, and responsible land-use planning in coastal Maine.

Notes

  • The bill did not progress to enactment this session. The exact statutory language and operative provisions are not included in the available materials, so this summary focuses on stated intent, fiscal posture, and procedural history.

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

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