Legislative Updates
🚨 Public Hearings – Wednesday, March 12, at 1:00 PM
The Taxation Committee (Room 127, State Office Building) will be holding hearings on three bills that could directly impact short-term rentals. Our members must participate, as your voices are the most informed on this issue. While testimony can be submitted online or via Zoom, in-person attendance is far more effective.
LD 632 – An Act to Allow a Local Option Sales Tax on Short-Term Lodging to Fund Affordable Housing (Rep. Skold, Portland)
LD 746 – An Act to Authorize a Local Option Sales Tax on Short-Term Lodging to Fund Municipalities and Affordable Housing (Rep. Friedman, Bar Harbor)
LD 225 – An Act to Increase the Statewide Lodging Tax to 12% (Rep. Mike Brennan, Portland)
How You Can Help:
✅ Testify in person – The most impactful way to make your voice heard. Bring 20 copies of your written testimony to share with the committee.
✅ Testify via Zoom – Register to testify virtually using the steps below:
- Click here to register and select “Public Hearing.”Legislative Updates
- Choose “Taxation Committee.”
- Click “March 12, 2025, 1:00 PM” and select LD 632 (this registers you for both LD 632 and LD 746).
- Refresh the page, click “March 12, 2025, 2:00 PM,” and select LD 225.
- Be sure to check “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom.”
✅ Submit written testimony – Follow the steps above, but instead of selecting Zoom testimony, upload your written statement.
Your participation—whether in person, via Zoom, or in writing—is essential to ensure lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these bills. Thank you for making your voice heard!
❓ New to Public Comment? If this is your first time speaking at a town meeting or you want a refresher, check out this guide on how to prepare strong written and spoken testimony:
📢 🔑 Log in to your VRPOME Member Portal for access to all legislative updates, including additional bills that could impact your business.
👉 Not a member yet? Now is the time to join and stand with Maine’s short-term rental community. Help protect your business and stay informed!
Local Updates
⚡Town of Surry – The vote on Surry’s proposed short-term rental ordinance has been postponed as officials take more time to review public feedback and potential revisions. The ordinance, which includes a new permitting process and caps on the number of owners who can obtain permits, has sparked strong community discussion. A new date for the vote has not yet been set.
Make Your Guests’ St. Patrick’s Day Stay Extra Special 🍀
From Matt & Gena Team
Enhance your guests’ experience by suggesting local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or offering fun at-home options. Share this list of top spots in Maine to enjoy festive parades, live Irish music, and classic pub gatherings. If they prefer a cozy night in, recommend a DIY Irish whiskey tasting, an Irish-themed movie night, or a simple gathering with traditional dishes like corned beef and soda bread. These thoughtful suggestions help create a memorable stay! 🍀
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