An Act to Support Maine's Homeless Shelters by Imposing a Fee for
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 1476
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: COPELAND, TALBOT ROSS
Amends: 22 MRSA §2504

Legislative Document
No. 1476
H.P. 968
House of Representatives, April 3, 2025
An Act to Support Maine's Homeless Shelters by Imposing a Fee for 
Booking Hotels, Short-term Rentals and Recreational Vehicle 
Camping Reservations
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative COPELAND of Saco.
Cosponsored by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland and
Representatives: ARCHER of Saco, BRIDGEO of Augusta, DHALAC of South Portland, 
GATTINE of Westbrook, LOOKNER of Portland, MALON of Biddeford, Senators: BEEBE-
CENTER of Knox, TIPPING of Penobscot.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the State has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of individuals 
and families who are experiencing homelessness; and
Whereas, the increase in the number of individuals and families experiencing 
homelessness has placed an increased demand on the State's emergency shelters, and cities 
in the State have experienced issues related to homeless encampments in public spaces; 
and
Whereas, a lack of adequate operations and resources has created a financial strain 
on emergency shelters in the State, and many shelters are facing decisions related to scaling 
back operations or closure without immediate assistance; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  22 MRSA §2504 is enacted to read:
§2504.  Homeless shelter support fee
1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the 
following terms have the following meanings.
A.  "Camping site" has the same meaning as in Title 33, section 589, subsection 3. 
B.  "Living quarters" has the same meaning as in Title 36, section 1752, subsection 6.
C.  "Recreational vehicle" has the same meaning as in Title 10, section 1432, subsection 
18-A.
2.  Fee established.  Beginning January 1, 2026, a fee of $2 is imposed on the rental 
of living quarters in a lodging place or the rental of a recreational vehicle camping site. 
3.  Application of fee revenue.  The revenue received from the fee imposed under 
subsection 2 must be credited directly to the department to be used to fund initiatives that 
support the operation of homeless shelters in the State.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill, beginning January 1, 2026, imposes a $2 fee on the rental of living quarters 
in a lodging place or the rental of a recreational vehicle camping site. The revenue from 
this fee must be credited to the Department of Health and Human Services to fund 
initiatives that support the operation of homeless shelters in the State.