Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §13171, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §212, is amended to read:

§13171. Real estate brokerage agency

"Real As used in this chapter, except for subchapter 7, "real estate brokerage agency" or "agency" means any person or entity engaged in real estate brokerage services through its designated broker, associates or employees and licensed by the commission as a real estate brokerage agency.

Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §13177, as amended by PL 1999, c. 129, §8 and affected by §16, is repealed.

Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §13177-A is enacted to read:

§13177-A.__Brokerage agreements

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, "brokerage agreement," "real estate brokerage agency" and "client" have the same meanings as in section 13271.

2.__Written agreements.__A brokerage agreement between a real estate brokerage agency and a client must be in writing and, at a minimum, include the following:

A.__The signature of the client to be charged;

B.__The terms and conditions of the brokerage services to be provided;

C.__The method or amount of compensation to be paid; and

D.__The date upon which the agreement will expire.

A brokerage agreement may not be enforced against any client who in good faith subsequently engages the services of another real estate brokerage agency following the expiration date of the first brokerage agreement.__Any brokerage agreement provision extending a real estate brokerage agency's right to a fee following expiration of the brokerage agreement may not extend that right beyond 6 months.

Sec. 4. 32 MRSA §13178, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §212, is amended to read:

§13178. Trust accounts