Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 0161
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: DUCHARME, BRADSTREET

Legislative Document
No. 161
H.P. 94
House of Representatives, January 14, 2025
Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and 
Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a 
Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State 
Subdivision Laws
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison.
Cosponsored by Senator BRADSTREET of Kennebec and
Representatives: COLLAMORE of Pittsfield, CRAY of Palmyra, GERE of Kennebunkport, 
ROBERTS of South Berwick, SAYRE of Kennebunk, Senators: BENNETT of Oxford, 
BLACK of Franklin.
Sec. 1.  Subdivision laws review required.  Resolved:  That the Department of 
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall convene a stakeholder group to review the 
subdivision laws in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, 
chapter 187, subchapter 4; and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6.  The stakeholder 
group shall submit to the department a report that includes findings and recommendations 
regarding a comprehensive overhaul and modernization of the subdivision laws that 
promotes development in growth areas; reduces development pressure in rural areas; 
protects public health, safety and welfare; advances state goals to produce affordable 
housing; and streamlines the development review process.
Sec. 2.  Membership of stakeholder group. Resolved:  That, at a minimum, the 
stakeholder group must include:
1.  A member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;
2.  A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;
3.  The Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee;
4.  The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the commissioner's designee;
5.  A representative from a county registry of deeds;
6.  A representative from a municipal government who has experience with subdivision 
law or an individual currently employed in the State as a code enforcement officer;
7.  A representative from a regional planning agency;
8.  A resident of the State who owns land of significant acreage in the unorganized 
territory; and
9.  A representative of the real estate development industry.
Sec. 3.  Report to legislature. Resolved:  That, by December 3, 2025, the 
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall submit a report that includes 
the stakeholder group's findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to 
the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over subdivision review 
matters under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, chapter 187, 
subchapter 4; and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6.  The joint standing committees 
may report out legislation related to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd 
Legislature.
SUMMARY
This resolve requires the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to 
convene a stakeholder group to review and make recommendations concerning a 
comprehensive overhaul and modernization of the subdivision laws in the Maine Revised 
Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 30-A, chapter 187, subchapter 4; and Title 38, 
chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 6.  The resolve lists the minimum membership requirements 
for the stakeholder group.  The department is required to submit a report to the joint 
standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over subdivision review matters 
under those laws by December 3, 2025 and those committees may report out legislation 
related to that report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.