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On December 20, 2025, the Maine Legislature passed a bill that will significantly limit the powers of eminent domain in the state. The bill, which was introduced in response to growing concerns about abuse of eminent domain authority, received overwhelming bipartisan support and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Janet Mills.Under the new legislation, government agencies and private entities will no longer be able to seize private property for economic development purposes. This practice, known as "eminent domain for private gain," has been a contentious issue in Maine for years, with many residents feeling that their property rights were being trampled upon in the name of progress.Instead, the bill states that eminent domain can only be used for public purposes, such as the construction of roads, schools, and other essential infrastructure projects. In addition, property owners will have more protections in place to ensure fair compensation for any land that is taken through eminent domain.The passage of this bill represents a significant victory for property owners across Maine, who have long been fighting to protect their rights against eminent domain abuse. Advocates for the bill argue that it strikes a balance between the need for development and the protection of individual property rights.In a statement following the bill's passage, Governor Mills praised the bipartisan effort to address the issue of eminent domain abuse in Maine. She noted that the new legislation will help ensure that property owners are treated fairly and that eminent domain is used only in cases of true public necessity.Overall, the passage of this bill marks a significant step towards safeguarding property rights in Maine and ensuring that eminent domain is used responsibly and ethically. Residents across the state can now rest assured that their homes and land will be protected from unjust seizure for private gain.