125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1810 LR 2684(02)
An Act To Provide Ongoing Review of the Effectiveness and Fairness of Land Use Laws and Rules
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
Committee: Judiciary
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Potential current biennium cost increase - Highway Fund
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Projections  FY 2013-14 Projections  FY 2014-15
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $0 $20,693 $43,474 $45,632
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $0 $20,693 $43,474 $45,632
Legislative Cost/Study
The estimated cost for 2 interim meetings of this committee are projected to be $5,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2012-13.  If additional meetings are held the estimated cost for each additional meeting is $2,500.  The Legislature's proposed budget includes $10,000 in fiscal year 2012-13 for legislative studies.  Whether this amount is sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.

This bill also includes a General Fund appropriation of $20,693 in fiscal year 2012-13 to increase a part-time Legislative Analyst position to full-time effective January 1, 2013 in order to provide the required staffing to the new legislative committee.  The General Fund costs for the position change increase to $43,474 in fiscal year 2013-14 and $45,632 in fiscal year 2014-15.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This legislation creates a process for landowner relief related to regulatory takings.  Depending upon the number or extent of any lawsuits filed, both General Fund and Highway Fund costs could be increased as a result of any payments to landowners.  The additional costs to the Judicial Department can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted resources.