Sec. 1. 14 MRSA c. 755 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 755

HOMEOWNER CLAIMS

§8551.__Legislative findings

The Legislature finds that it is beneficial to have an alternative method to resolve construction disputes for manufactured housing to reduce the need for litigation and protect the rights of homeowners. An effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in certain construction defect matters should involve the claimant's filing a notice of claim with the manufacturer or dealer of the manufactured housing that the claimant asserts is responsible for the defect and should provide the manufacturer or dealer of the manufactured housing with an opportunity to resolve the claim without resort to further legal process.

§8552.__Definitions

1.__Action.__"Action" means a civil action or arbitration proceeding for damages or indemnity asserting a claim for damage to or loss of a residence or personal property caused by an alleged construction defect, but does not include an administrative action or civil action or arbitration proceeding asserting a claim for alleged personal injuries arising out of an alleged construction defect.

2.__Association.__"Association" means an association organized pursuant to the laws of the State that represents the interests of a group of owners of residential property, including, but not limited to, a condominium association, a cooperative or an association that represents the owners of mobile homes on rented lots in a mobile home park.

3.__Claimant.__"Claimant" means a homeowner who asserts a claim against a contractor concerning a defect in the construction of a residence or in the substantial remodeling or repair of a residence. "Claimant" does not include a contractor, subcontractor, supplier or design professional.

4.__Construction defect.__"Construction defect" means a deficiency in or arising out of the design, specifications, surveying, planning, supervision, observation of construction, construction, repair, alteration or remodeling of a residence,