Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §4581, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1997, c. 85, §1, is repealed.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §4581, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:

2-A.__Definitions.__As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Housing for older persons" means housing:

(1)__Provided under any state or federal program that is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons as defined in the state or federal program;

(2)__Intended for and solely occupied by persons 62 years of age or older; or

(3)__Intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit.__To qualify as housing for older persons under this subparagraph, the housing must meet at least the following criteria:

(a)__At least 80% of the dwellings are occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit; and

(b)__The owner or manager has published and adheres to policies and procedures that demonstrate an intent to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older.

B.__"Public assistance" means federal, state or local public assistance, including medical assistance and housing subsidies.

Sec. 3. 5 MRSA §4581, sub-§3, ¶¶A and B, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 245, §3, are amended to read:

A. Persons residing in the housing as of the date of enactment of this subsection who do not meet the requirements of subsection 2 2-A, paragraph B or C A, subparagraph (2) or (3), provided that new occupants of the housing shall must meet the age requirements of subsection 2 2-A, paragraphs B and C paragraph A, subparagraph (2) or (3); or