Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN Legal & Legislation

Maine: City of Portland Illegally Classifies Gun Shops as “Non-Essential”

Friday, April 17, 2020

Maine: City of Portland Illegally Classifies Gun Shops as “Non-Essential”

 

Our Second Amendment rights are being threatened. The City of Portland needs to hear from you now!

In response to COVID-19, the Portland Mayor and City Council adopted Order No. 156-19/20 on April 14th, which replaced the list of essential businesses previously authorized by the city.  The order stated that "Gun shops shall not be considered an essential business or service within the City of Portland."
 
Not only does this order directly conflict with the new list of essential businesses published on April 3rd by the Mills administration, but it blatantly conflicts with Maine’s preemption law.  State preemption prevents local governments from enacting their gun control ordinances and creating a confusing patchwork of local laws.  Law-abiding citizens should enjoy the same rights, regardless of where they reside.  Maine statutes have no exception for local government acting in an emergency – which means the City of Portland is blatantly violating the state preemption law by classifying gun shops as non-essential businesses and ordering them to close under their new order.
Please act now and call on Portland Mayor Kate Snyder and the Portland City Council to correct this egregious error and make firearm dealers essential businesses!
 
Mayor Kate Snyder; [email protected], 207-874-8941
Councilor Belinda Ray; [email protected], 207-671-4000
Councilor Spender Thibodeau, [email protected], 207-650-2147
Councilor Tae Chong, [email protected], 207-650-0126
Councilor Justin Costa; [email protected], 207-522-2004
Councilor Kimberly Cook; [email protected], 207-874-8986
Councilor Ali Pious; [email protected], 207-807-4283
Councilor Nicholas Mavadones; [email protected]
207-774-0257
Councilor Jill Duson; [email protected], 207-878-0769
 
It is unfortunate that in these uncertain times, an elected official would limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise our inherent right to self-defense. Firearm dealers are essential to exercising this right!
 
This is breaking and developing news, and as more details become available, we will update NRA members further. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org/coronavirus.

 

IN THIS ARTICLE
Maine Covid-19 Gun Shops
TRENDING NOW
Senator Mike Lee Introduces National Constitutional Carry Act

News  

Friday, March 6, 2026

Senator Mike Lee Introduces National Constitutional Carry Act

Earlier this week, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced S. 4013, the National Constitutional Carry Act. This legislation would prohibit states from imposing any criminal or civil penalty on U.S. citizens for carrying a firearm in public. ...

Virginia: Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

News  

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Virginia: Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

As the 2026 General Assembly enters the final week of the 2026 legislative session, anti-gun lawmakers continue their push to radically change your Second Amendment rights in the Commonwealth. This week four anti-gun bills, SB ...

Michigan: Constitutional Carry Legislation Introduced

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Michigan: Constitutional Carry Legislation Introduced

A package of pro-Second Amendment legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House. House Bills 5653–5657 would make Michigan the 30th state in the nation to recognize Constitutional Carry, allowing individuals who are legally permitted ...

Virginia: Gun Bill Updates As Crossover Deadline Arrives

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Virginia: Gun Bill Updates As Crossover Deadline Arrives

Today, February 17th is the legislative crossover deadline in Virginia, and any bills that have not left their chamber of origin by the end of the day are considered dead for the session.

Oregon: Senate Passes Ballot Measure 114 Bill

Friday, March 6, 2026

Oregon: Senate Passes Ballot Measure 114 Bill

Yesterday, the Senate passed an amended House Bill 4145, now engrossed as HB 4145 B. It will now return to the House for concurrence as amended.

Virginia Gun Owners Face Magazine Confiscation!

Monday, February 2, 2026

Virginia Gun Owners Face Magazine Confiscation!

Astute Virginia gun owners anticipated terrible gun control legislation from the 2026 General Assembly. Still, some may be shocked to learn that anti-rights zealots in the Virginia Senate have advanced a bill to CONFISCATE standard capacity firearm ...

Out-of-Touch Mayor Learns the Hard Way Michiganders Like Guns and Dogs

News  

Monday, March 2, 2026

Out-of-Touch Mayor Learns the Hard Way Michiganders Like Guns and Dogs

“The NRA is going to be mad at me.”  So said David LaGrand (D), mayor of the second largest city in the state of Michigan. We don’t get mad, however, when firearm prohibitionists reveal their true ...

Virginia: Multiple Gun Control Bills Advance in Senate

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Virginia: Multiple Gun Control Bills Advance in Senate

On Monday, January 26th, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee advanced a slate of gun control bills targeting semi-automatic firearms, standard capacity magazines, carry rights, home storage, and more.

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Monday, March 9, 2026

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Yet another piece of anti-gun legislation has made it out of the General Assembly and is on its way to Governor Spanberger.

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Veto Override Vote Postponed

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

North Carolina: Permitless Carry Veto Override Vote Postponed

Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives rescheduled this morning’s veto override on Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to February 9, 2026.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.