125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1610 LR 2305(13)
An Act To Amend the Law Regarding the Sale of Wood Pellets
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee of Conference Amendment "   "
Committee: Taxation
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Projections  FY 2013-14 Projections  FY 2014-15
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $4,750 $19,760 $20,550 $21,372
Revenue
General Fund ($4,750) ($19,760) ($20,550) ($21,372)
Other Special Revenue Funds ($250) ($1,040) ($1,082) ($1,125)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill expands the sales tax exemption provided to certain purchases of fuel for residential use by raising the amount of wood pellet purchases presumed to be for residential use from 200 pounds to 1,000 pounds. In addition, purchases of up to one cord of firewood (including bundled campfire wood) are also assumed to be for residential use. The Maine State Housing Authority is required by rule, and when carrying out  its duties to receive, distribute and administer federal funds on behalf of the State for fuel assistance pursuant to the federal Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program, give preference, all other factors being substantially equal, to United States suppliers of wood pellets. Additional costs to the Maine State Housing Authority associated with rulemaking can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.