CHAPTER 644

H.P. 808 - L.D. 1165

An Act To Encourage the Preservation of Affordable

Housing

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §4722, sub-§1, ¶Y, as amended by PL 2005, c. 261, §2, is further amended to read:

Y. Expand access to housing for young professionals and young families. The Maine State Housing Authority shall develop recommendations to create or modify programs with the goal of expanding access to housing for young professionals and young families. The Maine State Housing Authority shall specifically consider strategies to assist renters and first-time home buyers who are under 35 years of age and explore options for linking assistance levels to student loan obligations. The Maine State Housing Authority shall collaborate with the Maine Community College System, vocational high schools and community action programs to encourage the development of affordable housing in high-cost housing areas of the State.

(1) The Maine State Housing Authority shall report its findings and recommendations regarding expanded access to housing for young professionals and young families to the Future for Youth in Maine State Work Action Tactics Team established in Title 5, section 13161 and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over housing matters no later than January 15, 2005 and annually thereafter; and