Bill > S1013

This bill addresses access to portable cooling devices for tenants and condominium owners by establishing new legal protections. Specifically, the bill prevents landlords and condominium associations from broadly prohibiting tenants and unit owners from using portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers, with some limited exceptions. These exceptions include scenarios where the device would violate building codes, safety guidelines, damage the property, exceed electrical capacity, block emergency exits, or compromise window security. The bill allows restrictions only under specific, written conditions, such as requiring professional installation or seasonal removal. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the Department of Housing and Community Development and Department of Public Health to explore the potential for adding cooling assistance to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which will examine the number of qualifying households, potential health impacts of cooling assistance, and implications for existing heating assistance programs. The study results must be reported to various legislative committees by July 1, 2024, providing insights into potential future energy assistance expansions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1013