The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted “ought not to pass” Legislative Document 1154. Sponsored by state Representative Owen Casas (I-Rockport), LD 1154 would have enabled a Maine resident’s state identification card (driver’s license or nondriver identification) to indicate whether the individual can legally possess a firearm. If the Secretary of State determined that the individual is disqualified from possessing a firearm, the Secretary would notify the applicant of this determination.
Although one anti-gun measure was defeated, Legislative Document 351 moves on from the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and could be considered by the full House of Representatives as early as next week. LD 351 would allow municipalities to prohibit firearm owners from carrying during municipal public proceedings and in polling places. It is imperative that you continue to contact your state Representative and your state Senator and urge them to OPPOSE LD 351!
The anti-gun regulations set forth in LD 351 are the exact reason why the Maine Legislature enacted its firearms preemption law, which ensures that firearm and ammunition laws are consistent throughout the state. Without “preemption” there would be a myriad of local firearm laws making compliance impossible for law-abiding gun owners. In fact, gun owners would have difficulty even knowing about laws, much less understanding them.
Currently, individuals can lawfully carry a firearm into a polling place and other public buildings where it is not prohibited under state or federal law. Legislative Document 351 seeks to remove one constitutional right while an individual is exercising another by prohibiting the carry of a firearm for self-defense while voting.
Once again, please contact your state Representative and your state Senator and urge them to OPPOSE LD 351!