Today, June 1st, the Maine House of Representatives passed the “Constitutional/Permitless Carry” legislation by an 83-62 vote.
As previously reported, Legislative Document 652, sponsored by Senator Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin), would allow all residents of Maine who are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm the right to carry concealed without obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). LD 652 would also leave the current carry permitting system intact for those who wish to participate in reciprocal concealed carry permit agreements when traveling to other states.
Legislative Document 652 was amended with two new measures. The first measure would prohibit a person under 21 years of age to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The second measure would require an individual carrying a concealed handgun who is stopped by law enforcement officers to immediately inform the officer of that concealed handgun. LD652 will now go back to the state Senate for further approval.
The NRA and its tens of thousands of members living in Maine thank those state Representatives who stood in support of the Second Amendment and LD 652.