Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the return of funds to Maine property taxpayers.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Property Tax Relief Fund for Maine Residents which must be used to provide relief payments to property taxpayers and pay the costs of the Treasurer of State for administering relief payments (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the State Comptroller to inform the Treasurer of State of the amount available in the fund for relief purposes, by November 1, 2019 and annually thereafter (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Treasurer of State to determine whether the amount available in the fund is sufficient to make a relief payment of at least $100 to the property taxpayer for each homestead in the state, to pay for the Treasurer of the State’s costs in administering relief payments, and to make state payments to municipalities for costs related to relief payments, by November 15, 2019 (Sec. 1).

• Defines “homestead” as any residential property, including cooperative property, that recieves a homestead property tax exemption (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text