AUGUSTA, Maine — The Judiciary Committee in Augusta, Maine, heard extensive testimony on Tuesday regarding two newly proposed gun safety bills. Supporters and opponents of the legislation shared their perspectives during the hours-long hearing.
One of the bills, LD 2086, aims to address gun trafficking by removing forfeited or abandoned firearms from circulation. The legislation also seeks to prevent the resale of firearms for criminal purposes. Senator Anne Carny, the sponsor of the bill, stated that it would update the state’s definition of “machine gun” and grant law enforcement jurisdiction over firearms equipped with devices similar to machine guns.
During the hearing, former State Senator Everett Brownie Carson appealed to the committee by urging them to consider the safety of children and individuals in places like churches, synagogues, and schools, referencing the tragic events at Sandy Hook.
Although LD 2086 is part of a larger suite of gun reform bills proposed by Democratic leadership in response to the mass shooting in Lewiston last October, opponents argued that the tragedy was not a result of inadequate state gun laws. Andee Reardon, the Director of Women for Gun Rights, asserted that existing laws already had the potential to prevent such incidents, but their enforcement was lacking.
Another bill under consideration, LD 2119, focuses on suicide prevention by allowing individuals to voluntarily waive their rights to firearms. Representative Vicki Doudera, the bill’s sponsor, argued that this legislation would provide those prone to suicidal thoughts and behaviors the agency to protect themselves from their own mental health crises. The bill proposes the creation of a confidential federal “do-not-sell” list, allowing individuals to restrict their access to firearms during vulnerable periods.
However, critics of LD 2119 expressed concern that the bill could dissuade some gun owners from seeking mental health assistance due to fears of permanently losing their firearms. Laura Whitcomb, the president of Gun Owners of Maine, highlighted the lack of an established pathway for restoring rights in the bill.
Reardon, on the other hand, argued that the focus should be on addressing mental health issues rather than blaming firearms for incidents like the one in Lewiston. She expressed skepticism about whether the proposed amendment would actually encourage gun owners to seek mental health treatment.
Following the deadliest day in Maine’s history on October 25, when 18 individuals lost their lives to gun violence, many Mainers are seeking meaningful gun reform to prevent future mass shootings. Arthur Bernard, a parent who tragically lost his son in the Lewiston shooting, emphasized the need for accountability and urged the Legislature to take action.
The Judiciary Committee’s hearing provided an opportunity for proponents and opponents of the gun safety legislation to voice their opinions and concerns. Ultimately, the committee members will have to weigh these varying perspectives as they decide whether to advance the bills for further consideration.