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LD 1476

An Act To Support Maine'S Homeless Shelters By Imposing A Fee For Booking Hotels, Short-Term Rentals And Recreational Vehicle Camping Reservations

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marshall Archer and 8 co-sponsors

Defeated Maine bill would have taxed hotel and short-term rental bookings to fund homeless shelters, but lawmakers rejected it in June 2025.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#economicdevelopment #lodging #tourism
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1476

Legislative bill overview

LD 1476 proposed imposing a fee on hotel bookings, short-term rental reservations, and recreational vehicle camping reservations in Maine, with revenue directed to support homeless shelter operations. The bill has been defeated and is no longer under consideration, as both the House and Senate rejected it in early June 2025.

Why is this important

Homelessness and shelter funding are persistent challenges in Maine, and this bill represented an attempt to create a dedicated, user-based revenue stream without raising general taxes. The defeat reflects ongoing legislative disagreement about how to fund social services and whether tourism-related fees are the appropriate mechanism.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact on tourism and travel: Fees on accommodations could increase costs for leisure travelers and businesses, potentially affecting Maine's tourism economy and small hospitality businesses
  • Fairness of targeting hospitality sector: Questions about why hotels and short-term rentals should bear primary responsibility for homeless services funding versus general taxation
  • Administrative burden: Implementing and collecting fees across diverse booking platforms and vendors creates compliance and enforcement costs

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

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