Maine Lawmakers Makes Dramatic Change to Gun Regulation Laws Following the Lewiston Mass Shooting

By: Julia | Published: May 01, 2024

Maine has taken steps to make dramatic changes to their gun regulation laws. In a move that has shocked many Second Amendment supporters, Maine appears to be ready to sign stricter Red Flag laws into place.

This change in legislation comes after a gunman killed 18 people in Maine last year at a bar and bowling alley.

Maine’s Potential New Gun Laws

New legislative action could lead to stricter gun laws throughout Maine if it is successfully passed by the legislature and then signed by the governor into law.

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This omnibus bill has many different factors that could lead to tougher regulation on gun ownership. Critics of this bill have already stated that, if passed, these new laws would infringe on their Second Amendment rights. 

Waiting To Own Guns

One aspect of this new bill requires a wait time for buyers to receive their new gun after purchase. According to the bill, a 72-hour waiting period will be enacted on all firearm purchases throughout the state.

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This waiting time will be required for all purchases, regardless of what type of gun is being bought.

Bump Stock Ban

Another aspect of these new bills Maine could enact into law deals with bump stocks. Bump stocks are accessories one can attach to their gun. These accessories increase how quickly the gun fires. 

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Many calls for bump stocks to be banned occurred around the country after a gunman killed 60 people in Las Vegas at a music festival in 2017. Now, Maine is poised to ban bump stocks as well, according to this new bill. 

Red Flag Laws

Maine also seems poised to enact more restrictions on police being able to confiscate a person’s firearms by strengthening their red flag laws.

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Under these new red flag laws, police and family members would have easier ways of taking away someone’s firearms if there is a worry that they are a danger to others or themselves.

Gun Ownership in Maine

One reason these new steps made by Maine policymakers have shocked so many is because the state has long been considered a state that supports the Second Amendment.

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Much of the state is rural, and many citizens own guns. As a result, lawmakers have long been wary of trying to pass any limits on gun ownership. However, a change in mindset was made after the mass shooting in Maine that resulted in 18 deaths.

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Maine’s Current “Yellow Flag” Law

Currently, Main has what is deemed a “yellow flag” law. This law makes it hard for the police to be able to take a person’s firearms away. For example, police cannot just take someone’s guns away because the person is going through a mental health crisis.

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Instead, the law states that the person must be taken into protective custody first. However, that’s not all.

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A High Bar To Take Away Guns

Then, a doctor must conduct a mental health evaluation on the person taken into protective custody. They must find out if this person is going to harm themselves or others.

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If they find this to be true, police can then file a petition to a judge to further prevent the person from buying weapons, or possessing weapons. 

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Yellow Flag vs Red Flag Laws

Clearly, police would have a high bar to reach before they could take away someone’s guns in Maine under the state’s current yellow flag laws.

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However, if these new red flag laws are successfully passed by policymakers and the governor, then police would be able to confiscate firearms from people much more easily. 

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Critics of Maine’s Gun Bills

Many critics have voiced their concern over Maine’s intent to pass stricter gun laws. Some have cited their worry that these new red flag laws, if passed, would hinder one’s right to due process.

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Others believe that the police will have more power to take away one’s firearms, which could lead to government overreach. Across the board, detractors are concerned that these laws infringe on their Second Amendment rights to own firearms.   

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Reminders of Last Year’s Mass Shooting

However, many are pushing for tighter gun laws because of the many mistakes made by last year’s mass shooting, which many people claim could’ve been prevented.

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Since October’s shooting, which killed 18 people, reporting has confirmed that there were many missed opportunities for law enforcement to stop the gunman, especially as people who knew the shooter went to the authorities multiple times to cite concerns about his mental health and gun ownership. 

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Supporters and Critics of These New Laws

While there are many detractors of these new laws, many supporters have come out in Maine to claim that these restrictions are needed — especially after the state suffered through its worst mass shooting just last year.

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To support the legislature to pass these laws, hundreds of Maine residents gathered together in front of the State House to push for stricter gun legislation. 

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Historical Overview of Maine's Gun Laws

Maine’s gun regulations have historically been lenient, reflecting the state’s rural character and strong hunting culture. Recent events, however, have prompted a reevaluation of this stance, with significant shifts proposed to enhance public safety.

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This evolving legal landscape highlights Maine’s response to national tragedies and growing local concerns, marking a potential turning point in the state’s legislative priorities.

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Gun Law Comparisons: Maine vs. Vermont

Unlike Maine, Vermont has maintained some of the least restrictive gun laws in the nation, despite sharing similar rural characteristics. Notably, most of Vermont’s gun-related deaths have been suicides.

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As Maine introduces stricter regulations, tracking changes in gun-related incidents can offer valuable data on the impact of such laws.

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Economic Consequences of Stricter Gun Laws

The implementation of stricter gun laws in Maine could influence local economies, particularly affecting gun retailers and the hunting sector.

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Anticipated changes may lead to decreased sales but could potentially increase spending in safety equipment and training services. This economic shift will require careful monitoring to balance safety with economic impacts.

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Enhancing Mental Health Services

In tandem with stricter gun laws, Maine is considering strengthening mental health services to prevent future tragedies. Enhanced funding and accessibility to mental health care are expected to play a crucial role in this integrated approach.

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This strategy aims not only to enforce laws but also to address the root causes of gun violence through preventive measures.

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Technological Innovations in Gun Safety

Maine could lead by example in adopting advanced safety technologies like biometric gun safes and smart weapons. These innovations could help prevent unauthorized access to firearms, significantly reducing accidental discharges and misuse.

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At the very least, promoting such technologies would align with Maine’s commitment to safer gun ownership amidst stricter regulation.

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Impact on Maine's Law Enforcement

The proposed gun laws necessitate new training and protocols for Maine’s law enforcement agencies. Officers may need to adjust to these regulations, affecting their operational procedures and engagement with communities.

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The goal is to foster trust and ensure effective enforcement of the new laws without straining police-community relations.

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Anticipated Legal Challenges

As Maine tightens its gun laws, legal challenges are inevitable. Similar laws in other states have faced lawsuits citing Second Amendment violations.

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Maine’s judiciary will likely address these challenges, setting precedents that could influence future legislation both within and outside the state.

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Public Education on Gun Ownership

Maine’s government is poised to launch public education campaigns focusing on safe gun handling and responsible ownership. Targeting both new and seasoned owners, these programs aim to reduce accidents and ensure compliance with the new regulations.

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Education is seen as a vital component of the broader strategy to curb gun violence.

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Local Government's Role in Gun Regulation

Local governments in Maine will be instrumental in implementing the new gun laws. By passing local ordinances that align with state regulations, municipal authorities can address unique local needs and enhance enforcement.

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This collaborative approach ensures that state laws are effectively adapted to diverse community settings.

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Perspectives from Maine Gun Owners

Feedback from Maine’s gun owners reveals a mix of apprehension and understanding towards the new laws. While some express concerns about potential overreach, others acknowledge the necessity of change following recent tragedies.

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Dialogue and open communication is crucial in shaping laws that respect rights while enhancing public safety.

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Global Examples of Effective Gun Control

Countries like Japan and Australia offer compelling examples of effective gun control measures. Their experiences could inform Maine’s approach, particularly in terms of comprehensive background checks and stringent ownership criteria.

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Learning from these international models could help Maine craft local policies that effectively reduce gun violence.

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The Future of Gun Legislation in Maine

Looking forward, Maine’s gun laws are likely to undergo further evaluations and adjustments. As societal attitudes evolve and the effectiveness of new measures becomes apparent, policymakers may consider additional reforms.

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The state’s approach could set a precedent for balancing gun rights with public safety in a changing America.

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