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

CHAPTER 907-A

MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM

§6231.__Municipalities authorized to grant rebate

The legislative body of a municipality may provide a property tax rebate 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 rebates under this chapter shall establish eligibility standards for participation in the program, including, but not limited to, the following.

1.__Age limit.__The taxpayer seeking a rebate must be at least 62 years of age.

2.__Residency requirement.__The taxpayer seeking a rebate must have resided in that municipality for at least 10 years.

3.__Amount limit.__The amount of the rebate may not exceed 50% of the taxes paid, and the amount of the rebate together with any other tax relief available under the Maine Residents Property Tax Program may not exceed 60% of the taxes paid.

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes municipalities to establish property tax rebate programs for elderly taxpayers who have resided in a municipality for at least 10 years on their principal place of residence.