Bill > LD713

This bill amends existing Maine law to exclude data centers from certain business tax exemptions and incentive programs, and mandates a study on financial incentives for these facilities. Specifically, it adds a new provision to the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (36 MRSA §691) to clarify that property within a data center, defined as a facility primarily housing electronic equipment for data processing, storage, cloud computing, or similar services, will not be exempt if it begins operations on or after August 1, 2026, including expansions. Similarly, it amends the Dirigo Business Incentives Program (36 MRSA §5219-AAA) to exclude data centers that begin operations on or after August 1, 2026, from eligibility for certain tax credits. The bill also requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to study and report on potential financial incentives for data centers by November 4, 2026, with the possibility of legislative action in 2027.