ME LD383

Transfers the Maine Land Use Planning Commission from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Environmental Protection, with existing commission members, rules, contracts, staff positions, and property continuing in effect

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit a report by January 1, 2026 with recommendations for fully consolidating both agencies into a new "Maine Environmental and Land Use Commission" by July 1, 2028

Mandates the combined entity prioritize landowner rights, process permit applications within 6 months (2 weeks for minimal-impact activities), and issue appeal decisions within 30 days

Establishes requirements for a landowner rights advisory board, mandatory cost-benefit analysis for new rules, 5-year rule reviews, and a property rights compensation fund for landowners financially harmed by regulations

Prohibits the combined entity from imposing new fees or fee increases without legislative approval, and requires all adopted rules to be designated as major substantive rules requiring legislative review