Maine is currently on the verge of passing several gun safety bills that could impact the rights of gun-owning residents in the state. The Democratic-controlled House has approved a governor’s omnibus gun safety bill that strengthens the state’s yellow flag law, increases background checks for private gun sales, and criminalizes the reckless sale of guns to prohibited individuals. Additional bills being considered include lengthening waiting periods for gun purchases and banning bump stocks in the state. These measures were prompted by a shooting spree in Lewiston that left 18 people dead and more than a dozen injured.
The Maine Legislature is set to adjourn on Wednesday, but Democrats are pushing to pass these gun safety bills before that deadline in order to send them to the desk of Governor Janet Mills. Despite Democratic majorities in both the Senate and House, the effort is facing resistance due to the state’s strong hunting tradition and vocal advocates for gun owner rights. One bill that failed was a proposal to allow gun violence victims to sue weapon manufacturers, and a red flag law proposal has not yet been voted on by either chamber. Additionally, a separate measure to fund mental health and violence prevention initiatives sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross does not yet have money allocated in the final budget.
The shooting in Lewiston that occurred on October 25, 2023, where 18 people were killed and 13 others injured, prompted lawmakers to take action in an effort to prevent future attacks. One of the initiatives being proposed is a red flag law that would allow family members to petition a judge to remove guns from someone’s home. This proposal differs from the state’s current yellow flag law, which puts law enforcement officers in charge of the process. Family members of the shooter had warned authorities that he was becoming paranoid and losing touch with reality before the shooting, and he had previously been hospitalized for mental health issues while training with his Army Reserve unit.
Lawmakers argue that their constituents are demanding action to prevent future attacks, leading to the introduction of these gun safety bills in Maine. The effort is facing pushback from those who advocate for gun owner rights in the state, despite the Democratic majorities in the Legislature. The bills are part of a comprehensive approach to gun safety, including strengthening existing laws, increasing background checks, and implementing waiting periods for gun purchases. The tragic shooting in Lewiston has underscored the importance of addressing these issues and preventing future incidents of gun violence in the state.
