Committee unanimously advances Sen. Nangle bill to keep Maine veterans housed

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs voted unanimously, and on a bipartisan basis, to advance LD 2135, “An Act to Provide Funding to Keep Maine Veterans Housed,” sponsored by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham. The bill aims to prevent homelessness among Maine veterans by providing meaningful support to overcome common housing barriers.

“The work to end veteran homelessness requires targeted, practical solutions,” said Sen. Nangle. “This bill will give housing providers the flexibility to remove barriers that too often keep veterans from getting into safe, stable homes. I’m grateful to the committee for coming together in strong bipartisan support, and especially thankful to the organizations in Maine doing this work every day.”

LD 2135, as amended by the committee, would establish the Veterans Housing Provider Incentive Fund within the Bureau of Veterans’ Services. The new fund would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that help veterans secure and maintain permanent housing.

The grant funding may be used to offer incentives to landlords willing to rent to veterans, cover risk mitigation costs and address past rental debt. The proposal also includes accountability measures through rulemaking and reporting requirements. To launch the fund, the bill includes a one-time $90,000 transfer from an existing sports wagering revenue account.

LD 2135 now moves to the full Legislature for consideration.

Sen. Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.

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