ME LD1693

Department of Corrections must establish a work program training incarcerated residents in home construction, carpentry, renewable energy installation, green building techniques, and financial literacy, in partnership with community colleges and trade organizations

Homes built through the program must meet Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code standards, derive at least 50% of energy from renewable sources, prioritize in-state materials, and be owned by Maine State Housing Authority or another state entity

Participating residents may earn sentence reductions of 1 day per 40 hours worked, up to 25% of their original sentence, contingent on maintaining minimum custody classification and meeting safety/quality standards

Bureau of Revenue Services must develop a proposal by December 3, 2025 for a 100% refundable tax credit for persons donating materials or services to the program

Annual reporting to the Legislature begins January 1, 2026, covering homes built, green building compliance, recidivism rates, sentence reductions granted, and program expenditures