Maine: Legislature Adjourns Sine Die, Gun Control Measures Defeated

On June 20^th, the Maine Legislature adjourned from the first session of the 129^th Legislature.  During this session, several egregious pieces of anti-gun legislation were defeated, including bills to criminalize private transfers of firearms and ban many commonly-owned standard capacity magazines.  Thwarting efforts to threaten shooting ranges, the Legislature instead took steps to protect ranges, passing a bill that Governor Janet Mills signed into law.  Unfortunately, the Legislature missed an opportunity to pass a Stand Your Ground measure, LD 533, that would have strengthened Mainers’ fundamental right to self-defense anywhere they are legally allowed to be. 

Legislative Document 79​, sponsored by Representative Patrick Corey (R-District 25), protects shooting ranges by allowing the discharge of a firearm on a sport shooting range that is within 100 yards of a building, if the sport shooting range was in regular operation prior to the erection of the building.  This will ensure that those who choose to construct new buildings within 100yd of established sport shooting ranges cannot threaten them with court fees, hiatus, or closure of operations.  Maine's shooting ranges will be protected and remain venues where shooters can practice their shooting skills in a safe, responsible environment.  LD 79 was signed into law by Gov. Mills on March 29^th.

Anti-Gun Bills Defeated

Legislative Document 379, sponsored by Representative Victoria Doudera (D-94), and Legislative Document 1033, sponsored by Representative Anne Perry (D-140), would have imposed a one-size-fits-all, government mandated firearm storage requirement that would impair the ability of law-abiding Mainers to access firearms in the home to defend themselves and their families. 

Legislative Document 747, sponsored by Representative Barbara Cardone (D-127), Legislative Document 810, sponsored by Senator David Miramant (D-12), and Legislative Document 1276, sponsored by Senator Linda Sanborn (D-30), would have effectively criminalized the private transfer of firearms.

Legislative Document 1569, sponsored by Representative Lois Reckitt (D-31), would have essentially ended the centuries old practice of home manufacturing firearms for personal use. 

Legislative Document 1071, sponsored by Rep. Cardone, would have defined most standard capacity magazines as “high capacity” if they can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition and make it a Class D crime to sell or supply them, unless one had “the authority to do so.”  

Legislative Document 1099, sponsored by Senator Brownie Carson (D-24), would have delayed Second Amendment rights by imposing a 72-hour waiting period before an individual may receive firearms that they purchase.  

Legislative Document 516, sponsored by Representative Heidi Brooks (D-61), would have directed the Commissioner of Public Safety to administer a statewide voluntary firearm collection day, and to establish a voluntary firearm collection program administered by the Bureau of the State Police.  The bill would have compelled disclosure of personal information of individuals turning in firearms, and with no restrictions on how the police could have used this information.  

Legislative Document 869, sponsored by Representative Mattea Daughtry (D-49), was a concept draft that included no detail on the specific gun control measures being proposed by the sponsor.  

Legislative Document 1470, sponsored by Senator Catherine Breen (D-25), would have allowed political subdivisions and municipalities to create arbitrary boundaries at public proceedings and polling places where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless against the criminals who ignore such restrictions.

Legislative Document 489, sponsored by Senator Justin Chenette (D-31), would have allowed noise ordinances to be used to shut down local shooting ranges, even if they operated safely and were otherwise in full compliance with the law.

Thank you to NRA members and Second Amendment supporters that attended committee hearings and contacted legislators throughout the session.

Your NRA-ILA will be back at the Capitol for the second session of the 129^th Legislature, and in the meantime, please stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates on issues impacting our Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage.