In response to the ongoing housing crisis in Maine, the state legislature has introduced a new eminent domain bill aimed at addressing the issue. The bill, introduced on February 17, 2026, would give local governments the authority to use eminent domain to acquire properties for the purpose of building affordable housing units.The housing crisis in Maine has been growing steadily in recent years, with skyrocketing home prices and a severe shortage of affordable housing options. Many residents have been forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing, or even become homeless, as a result of the lack of affordable housing options in the state.Under the new eminent domain bill, local governments would be able to acquire properties that are either abandoned or blighted, or that are owned by absentee landlords who have neglected their maintenance responsibilities. These properties would then be redeveloped to create new affordable housing units for low and moderate-income residents.Proponents of the bill argue that using eminent domain to acquire properties for affordable housing is a necessary step to address the housing crisis in Maine. They point to the success of similar initiatives in other states, where eminent domain has been used to create new affordable housing options and revitalize blighted neighborhoods.However, critics of the bill have raised concerns about property rights and the potential for abuse of eminent domain powers. Some property owners worry that they could be forced to sell their properties against their will, while others argue that the government should focus on incentivizing developers to build affordable housing rather than seizing private property.The bill is currently being debated in the state legislature, with supporters and opponents both voicing their opinions on the proposed legislation. Lawmakers are expected to continue to discuss the bill in the coming weeks, with a vote on its passage likely to take place in the near future.As the housing crisis in Maine continues to worsen, the introduction of this new eminent domain bill represents a significant step towards addressing the issue and providing much-needed relief to residents struggling to find affordable housing options in the state. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.