128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1629 LR 2290(09)
An Act To Protect the Elderly from Tax Lien Foreclosures
Fiscal Note for Senate Amendment " " to Committee Amendment "A"
Sponsor: Sen. Jackson of Aroostook
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Reduces State Mandate Costs
Still a Funded State Mandate
FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 Projections  FY 2019-20 Projections  FY 2020-21
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $0 ($824,655) ($824,655) ($824,655)
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $0 ($824,655) ($824,655) ($824,655)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This amendment removes the requirement for a separate notice to the taxpayer of potential eligibility to file for tax abatement. As the mandate for a separate notice is removed, the costs anticipated from increased abatement activity originating from the notification would not be considered mandated costs and the General Fund appropriation is reduced by $824,655 beginning in fiscal year 2018-19. The mandated requirements to engage a real estate broker, sell the property at fair market value or the price anticipated by the broker and remit excess proceeds to the taxpayer remain in the bill. As amended, the bill still contains an ongoing General Fund appropriation of $600 beginning in fiscal year 2018-19 to cover these costs. This amount represents 90% of the estimated net cost to municipalities not recovered through the sale of the property.