Maine Passes Comprehensive Gun Legislation Following Mass Shooting

The Maine Legislature passed comprehensive gun safety legislation that includes background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases, and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals before adjourning on Thursday morning, nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in state history.

Following the shooting that resulted in 18 casualties and 13 injuries, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and the Democratic-led Legislature advocated for various gun and mental health proposals, despite the state’s strong hunting tradition and support for gun owners.

“Maine has made significant progress in preventing gun violence and protecting Maine residents,” said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, commending lawmakers for listening to their constituents.

The governor’s bill, approved early Thursday, includes strengthening the state’s yellow flag law, enhancing background checks for private gun sales, and making it illegal to recklessly sell a gun to a prohibited individual. The bill also allocates funds for violence prevention efforts and establishes a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston.

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

However, there was no action taken on a proposal for a “red flag” law that would allow family members to petition a judge to remove guns from individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Lawmakers had to contend with a contentious supplementary budget before casting their final votes and the legislative session concluded after dawn.

The shooting on Oct. 25 by an Army reservist in Lewiston loomed over the legislative session, with police being warned beforehand about the shooter’s deteriorating mental state and access to weapons. The shooter ultimately took his own life after the attack.

Republicans criticized Democrats for exploiting the tragedy to push through controversial legislation, while Democrats defended their actions as response to constituents’ pleas for preventive measures against future attacks.

“For the sake of the communities, individuals, and families currently enduring immense pain, and for the state as a whole, doing nothing is not an option,” stated the governor in late January during her State of the State address, receiving a standing ovation from attendees.