Augusta, Maine – The Maine Legislature took significant steps toward improving gun safety by passing comprehensive legislation that includes background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals. These measures were implemented almost six months after the deadliest shooting in the state’s history.
The push for these gun and mental health proposals came after a tragic shooting incident that claimed 18 lives and injured 13 individuals. Despite Maine’s strong hunting tradition and culture of gun ownership, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and the Democratic-led Legislature advocated for these new laws to enhance public safety.
Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, commended lawmakers for their proactive approach in preventing gun violence and safeguarding lives in the state. The approved bill not only strengthens the existing yellow flag law but also enforces stricter background checks for private gun sales and criminalizes reckless gun sales to individuals prohibited from owning guns.
Additionally, the legislation allocates funding for violence prevention initiatives and establishes a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston. The Senate also passed a bill imposing a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases and banning bump stocks, which can effectively turn a firearm into a machine gun.
Despite these advancements in gun safety legislation, there was no action taken on a proposal to implement a red flag law that would allow family members to petition a judge to remove guns from individuals in psychiatric crises. The existing yellow flag law, which involves law enforcement taking the lead, faced criticism for its complexity.
Lawmakers faced a challenging session as they worked throughout the night to address several issues before adjourning. The session culminated in the approval of a contentious supplemental budget, ultimately concluding after daybreak. The devastating shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city, underscored the urgency for legislative action.
Survivors of the shooting shared mixed reactions to the new laws. While some advocated for stricter gun control measures, others like Ben Dyer, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, expressed skepticism towards the proposed legislation. Dyer highlighted concerns that law-abiding gun owners could be adversely affected by the laws, while criminals may continue to evade them.
Republicans criticized the Democrats for politicizing the tragedy to push forward their agenda. Despite this opposition, Democrats emphasized the importance of responding to constituents’ concerns and preventing similar attacks in the future. Gov. Mills, a former prosecutor and attorney general, emphasized the necessity of taking action to address the pain and suffering experienced by affected communities and families.
Ultimately, the passage of these gun safety measures reflects a concerted effort by Maine lawmakers to prioritize public safety and prevent future tragedies. As the state embarks on implementing these significant changes, the impact on gun regulations and community safety remains to be seen.