Democratic Governor Janet Mills recently signed a suite of gun safety legislation into law in Maine in response to the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history. The new laws expand background checks for private sales of weapons, strengthen the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalize the transfer of guns to prohibited individuals, and enhance mental health crisis care. These measures were seen as necessary following an incident where an Army reservist with an assault rifle killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston.
While some Republicans opposed the bills, Governor Mills emphasized that the new laws aim to improve public safety while respecting Maine’s long traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage. The legislation does not mandate universal background checks but does require checks for gun sales advertised online. Additionally, changes to the yellow flag law now allow law enforcement to seek a warrant directly from a judge to remove firearms from individuals in psychiatric crises, streamlining the process and addressing previous challenges faced by law enforcement.
Despite opposition from some Republicans, supporters of expanded gun control laws in Maine celebrated the signing of the new legislation as a victory. The bill also strengthens legal standards for prosecution and penalties for selling weapons to prohibited buyers, making it a felony crime. The governor’s office emphasized that the new approach aims to maintain the practice of transferring firearms within families or among trusted friends while increasing prosecution and prison time for those who sell weapons to unknown individuals without proper background checks.
Governor Mills’ approval of the gun safety proposals coincided with a special commission interviewing fellow reservists of the shooter from the mass shooting incident in Lewiston. Concerns were raised about the shooter’s erratic behavior prior to the shooting, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and violence prevention. Mills also proposed the creation of a violence and injury prevention program and a network of crisis centers to serve as resources for individuals in need of mental health support, building upon existing facilities in Portland and central Maine.
Supporters of the new gun control measures believe that the laws will contribute to keeping communities safe in Maine and praised the collaborative efforts that led to the passage of the legislation. By expanding background checks, strengthening the yellow flag law, and promoting mental health resources, the state aims to prevent future tragedies and address concerns regarding gun safety. While opposition from some Republican lawmakers remains, advocates are hopeful that these new provisions will make a positive impact on public safety in Maine and serve as a model for other states to follow.
