Maine Lawmakers on the Verge of Passing Sweeping Gun Legislation Before Adjournment

The Maine Legislature was in the process of adjourning on Wednesday, with pending decisions on a set of gun safety bills introduced after a tragic shooting last fall.

The Senate was waiting to vote on the governor’s gun safety proposals, which included strengthening the state’s yellow flag law, enhancing background checks for private gun sales, and criminalizing reckless gun sales to prohibited individuals.

The Senate narrowly approved a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases and a ban on bump stocks that can turn a weapon into a machine gun.

Yet to be voted on was a red flag proposal put forth by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, allowing family members to request the removal of guns from someone experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Critics of the current yellow flag law, which involves police in the process, deem it too complex.

Lawmakers had a deadline of Wednesday to conclude their work before adjourning. Governor Janet Mills expressed no desire to extend the session.

A last-minute disagreement between the governor and lawmakers regarding funding for storm damage recovery added a complication. Additionally, a potentially contentious budget revision needed approval.

The session was influenced by the Oct. 25 shooting carried out by an Army reservist, resulting in 18 deaths and 13 injuries.

Republicans accused Democrats of exploiting the tragedy to push through controversial bills, some of which were previously rejected. Supporters of the legislation argued that constituents urged action to prevent future attacks.