Sec. 1. 36 MRSA c. 907-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 907-A

OPTIONAL MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

§6231.__Municipalities authorized to grant

The legislative body of a municipality may provide property tax relief to residents of that municipality with respect to real property owned or rented and occupied by those residents as their principal residence.

§6232.__Eligibility

A municipality establishing a program of property tax relief under this chapter shall establish eligibility standards for participation in the program, including, but not limited to, age thresholds or income limitations.

§6233.__State program benefits not precluded

Any property tax relief granted to a resident in accordance with this chapter does not disqualify that resident with respect to benefits for which the resident is eligible under the Maine Residents Property Tax Program.

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes municipalities to establish, at their option, property tax relief programs, or so-called "circuit breaker" programs.