Maine governor approves new gun laws and mental health support after Lewiston shootings.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills of Maine has taken significant steps to address gun safety concerns following the state’s deadliest mass shooting incident. In response to the tragic events in Lewiston, where an Army reservist killed 18 people and injured 13 others, Gov. Mills signed a suite of gun safety legislation into law after garnering approval from lawmakers.
The newly enacted laws include provisions such as expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, strengthening the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of firearms to prohibited individuals, and enhancing mental health crisis care services. Gov. Mills emphasized the importance of implementing these reforms to improve public safety while still respecting Maine’s rich traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage.
The bill signed by Gov. Mills does not mandate universal background checks but does require individuals who advertise guns for sale on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to conduct background checks through licensed businesses like L.L. Bean or Cabela’s. Additionally, changes to the yellow flag law now enable law enforcement to seek a warrant directly from a judge, streamlining the process and facilitating quicker action in cases of psychiatric crises.
Despite opposition from Republicans in the state, particularly regarding the expanded background check provision, supporters of the legislation view the passage of these laws as a significant victory. The advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety lauded the new regulations, noting that Maine now joins 22 other states with similar background check laws in place.
Furthermore, the legislation signed by Gov. Mills enhances the legal standards for prosecuting individuals who sell firearms to prohibited buyers, turning such actions into felony offenses. With these strengthened measures in place, the state aims to deter illegal gun sales and protect communities from potential harm.
The governor’s proactive approach to gun safety also includes the establishment of a violence and injury prevention program, which will see the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention collating data from various sources to inform effective public policy decisions. Additionally, plans are underway to create a network of crisis centers to provide necessary support and intervention services in critical situations.
These significant steps taken by Gov. Janet Mills underscore Maine’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and addressing the complex issues surrounding gun violence and mental health crises. By pushing through these vital reforms, Maine sets a precedent for other states in the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and prevent future tragedies.
