Augusta, Maine – The Maine legislature recently passed significant gun control measures aimed at strengthening public safety and addressing gun violence in the state. These measures include increased waiting periods, background checks, expansion of court-ordered firearm forfeiture, and prohibitions on selling firearms to those who are not legally permitted to own them.

The first bill, known as the “Act to Strengthen Public Safety by Improving Maine’s Firearm Laws and Mental Health System,” was approved by both the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine Senate. This act aims to prevent the sale of firearms to individuals prohibited from owning them and requires background checks for firearm purchases, with exemptions for certain transactions.

Another bill, the “Act to Address Gun Violence in Maine by Requiring a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases,” mandates a 72-hour waiting period for most firearm transactions, with exceptions for specific circumstances like sales to licensed gun dealers or individuals required to carry firearms for work.

Additionally, the legislature approved the “Act to Amend the Law Governing the Disposition of Forfeited Firearms,” which expands the types of firearms subject to forfeiture as part of a criminal sentence. The bill now includes firearms that rightfully belong to another individual but were used in criminal activities.

While a proposed bill to enact red-flag orders allowing family members to seek restrictions on a loved one’s ability to purchase firearms was considered, no action was taken. These measures were introduced by Governor Janet Mills following a tragic shooting in Lewiston, Maine, which resulted in the loss of 18 lives.

The passage of these bills reflects a broader national conversation on gun control. Other states, such as Virginia and Delaware, have also grappled with gun regulation issues, with differing approaches to addressing them. The Maine legislation is now awaiting Governor Mills’ signature to become law.