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LD 1763

An Act To Regulate Nonwater-Dependent Floating Structures On Maine'S Waters

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Dill and 4 co-sponsors

Creates a Maine state lease program for existing nonwater-dependent floating structures, based on square footage, with DACF oversight and enforcement by IFW/DMR.

Signed by Governor
#floatingstructures #recreation #watercraft
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Bill Summary · LD 1763

Summary — LD 1763: An Act To Regulate Nonwater‑Dependent Floating Structures on Maine’s Waters

Status: Signed by the Governor (June 20, 2025)
Introduced: April 23, 2025
Committee: Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Subjects: Floating structures, recreation, watercraft

Purpose

LD 1763 establishes a regulatory framework for nonwater‑dependent floating structures located on Maine’s waters. The bill creates a mechanism for bringing existing nonwater‑dependent floating structures under state oversight and clarifies agency roles for permitting, leasing, and enforcement.

Key provisions

  • Creates a process for owners of nonwater‑dependent floating structures that existed as of January 1, 2025, to apply for a lease with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).
  • Lease revenue is to be calculated on the square footage of the structure (rate schedule not specified in the fiscal notes); actual revenue will depend on how many owners apply.
  • Assigns implementation, administrative, and enforcement responsibilities across state agencies, primarily DACF, with roles for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) and the Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
  • Includes provisions that may generate civil enforcement actions; enforcement fines and court filing fees would be collectible as part of the administrative/judicial process.

(Note: the bill text itself is not provided here; the summary above reflects the provisions and impacts described in fiscal and legislative documents.)

Who is affected

  • Owners/operators of nonwater‑dependent floating structures (existing as of Jan 1, 2025) who may need to apply for state leases.
  • DACF, which will administer leases and receive associated Other Special Revenue Funds.
  • IFW and DMR for limited implementation, oversight, or enforcement duties.
  • State courts potentially, through a small increase in civil suits related to enforcement or disputes.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes indicate:
    • Current biennium: minor revenue increases to Other Special Revenue Funds (lease receipts) and minor revenues to the General Fund (possible fines/fees).
    • Minor General Fund cost increase and minor costs to other agencies, which are expected to be absorbable within existing budgets.
    • Exact lease revenue cannot be estimated because it depends on the number and size of applicants.
    • One version of a fiscal note (for a House amendment) reported “No fiscal impact,” but the final engrossed version reports the minor revenue/cost effects above.

Legislative history & timeline

  • Referred to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Apr 23, 2025); multiple work sessions and amendment cycles (Committee Amendment "A" H‑684; House Amendment "A" H‑711).
  • Initially failed passage in the House on June 13, 2025, but the House reconsidered and adopted amendments; the bill passed both chambers with amendments on June 16, 2025.
  • The bill was treated as an emergency measure during floor action (requiring a two‑thirds vote).
  • Signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Implementation notes

  • DACF will need to establish lease application and fee collection procedures tied to square footage.
  • Agencies expect to absorb administrative costs; any enforcement or litigation increases are anticipated to be minimal.

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

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