Maine Passes Gun Safety Laws in Wake of Deadly Lewiston Shooting

The Maine Legislature has passed sweeping gun safety legislation nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in the state's history claimed 18 lives and injured 13 others in Lewiston. The legislative package, championed by Democratic Governor Janet Mills and the Democratic-led Legislature, includes mandatory background checks for private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing the sale of firearms to individuals prohibited from owning them.

The new laws strengthen Maine's existing yellow flag" law, enhance background checks for private gun sales, and introduce penalties for recklessly selling firearms to prohibited individuals. The legislation also allocates funding for violence prevention initiatives and establishes a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston. Additionally, the Maine Senate endorsed a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases and banned bump stocks, which can effectively convert firearms into automatic weapons.

However, lawmakers did not take action on a proposed "red flag" law that would have allowed family members to petition a judge to remove guns from someone in a psychiatric crisis. The legislation faced some opposition from Republicans and survivors of the Lewiston shooting, who argued that law-abiding gun owners would be hurt by the proposals while criminals would ignore them.

Why this matters: The passage of these gun safety measures in Maine, a state with a strong hunting tradition and high rates of gun ownership, reflects a growing national trend towards stricter firearm regulations in the wake of mass shootings. The Lewiston tragedy served as a catalyst for legislative action, despite opposition from gun rights advocates.

Governor Mills and Democratic lawmakers said they had a responsibility to act on the pleas of their constituents to prevent future attacks. "These new laws are a significant step forward in protecting our communities and making Maine a safer place to live," Governor Mills said in a statement after signing the bills into law. The legislation takes effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Key Takeaways

• Maine passes sweeping gun safety laws after deadly Lewiston shooting.
• New laws mandate background checks, waiting periods, and penalties for illegal sales.
• Legislation strengthens "yellow flag" law, funds violence prevention, and establishes crisis center.
• Proposed "red flag" law allowing family to petition judge failed to pass.
• Passage of laws reflects national trend towards stricter firearm regulations after mass shootings.