Lewiston, Maine – The state of Maine has taken significant steps towards enhancing gun safety measures following a deadly shooting that shook the community, as the state legislature approved a comprehensive gun safety legislation package. This legislation includes background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals.
The push for stricter gun control laws came after a tragic shooting incident that claimed 18 lives and left 13 others injured, making it the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history. Governor Janet Mills and the Democratic-led legislature collaborated on these initiatives, despite the state’s strong hunting culture and historical support for gun ownership.
Among the approved bills is a measure that strengthens the state’s yellow flag law, expands background checks for private gun sales, and establishes penalties for the reckless sale of firearms to prohibited individuals. Additionally, the legislation allocates funding for violence prevention programs and opens a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston.
In a separate move, the Maine senate narrowly passed a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases and a ban on bump stocks that can effectively turn a weapon into a machine gun. However, a proposal for a “red flag” law, allowing family members to petition for the removal of firearms from individuals in psychiatric crises, did not see action.
Lawmakers worked through the night and into the early morning hours in a race against their adjournment deadline. The legislative session was marked by tensions surrounding a supplemental budget vote, which delayed the final approvals until the following day.
The tragic backdrop to these legislative efforts was a mass shooting in Lewiston on October 25th, where an army reservist opened fire, prompting calls from constituents and lawmakers alike for stricter gun laws to prevent future tragedies. Governor Mills emphasized the importance of taking action to protect communities, individuals, and families from further pain and loss.
The approved gun safety measures signal a significant shift towards a more stringent approach to firearm regulations in Maine, reflecting a growing nationwide trend towards implementing stricter gun control laws in the wake of mass shootings and escalating gun violence.