Today, Constitutional/Permitless Carry legislation, Legislative Document 652, was enacted by the state Senate by a vote of 23-12. This critical legislation will now go to Governor Paul LePage for his expected signature.
As previously reported, LD 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.
The final version of LD 652 would prohibit a person under 21 years of age from carrying a concealed weapon without a permit unless the individual is active military between 18-21 years old and would require an individual carrying a concealed handgun who is stopped by law enforcement officers to immediately inform the officer of that concealed handgun.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators who supported this critical pro-gun legislation.