Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §4707 is enacted to read:

§4707.__Affordability

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or chapter 202, the primary consideration in the determination of affordable housing is the sum of mortgage and energy expenses.__An affordable housing program funded in whole or in part by the State must give priority to a building that has the lowest sum of mortgage and energy expenses.__An affordable housing construction program funded in whole or in part by the State must require the highest energy conservation building standards for the construction of new housing.

Sec. 2. 30-A MRSA §5002, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1991, c. 610, §4, is further amended to read:

2. Affordable housing. "Affordable housing" means decent, safe and sanitary dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations that have the least expensive combined mortgage and energy costs for low-income and moderate-income households. The Maine State Housing Authority may define "affordable housing" by rule. Affordable housing includes, but is not limited to:

A. Government-assisted housing;

B. Housing for low-income and moderate-income families;

C. Manufactured housing;

D. Multifamily housing; and

E. Group and foster care facilities.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that the primary consideration in the determination of affordable housing be the sum of mortgage and energy costs. This bill requires affordable housing programs funded in whole or in part by the State to give priority to buildings with the lowest sum of mortgage and energy expenses. This bill requires affordable housing construction programs funded in whole or in part by the State to use the highest energy conservation construction standards for new housing.