Eleanor Finch
Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws, and it is a constitutional carry state, meaning that it allows permitless carry for anyone over the age of 21 or members of the military over the age of 18. In the wake of the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, the state has made some progress in establishing gun safety laws, such as implementing background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases. However, it is unclear whether these laws have had an impact on the number of shootings in the state. While Maine has relatively low gun violence compared to other states with similar firearm laws, some argue that more stringent gun control measures are necessary to prevent future mass shootings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gun laws in Maine | Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws. |
| Gun deaths in Maine | The vast majority are suicides. |
| Maine gun laws | Maine is a permitless carry state. |
| Maine's gun laws on concealed carry | Maine offers resident and non-resident permits. |
| Maine's gun laws on open carry | Open carry is allowed without a permit. |
| Maine's gun laws on gun possession in establishments serving alcohol | Possession of firearms is not allowed in establishments licensed to serve alcohol. |
| Maine's gun laws on gun possession in federal buildings | Open carry is not lawful in federal buildings. |
| Maine's gun laws on gun magazine capacity | For hunters, a semi-automatic firearm's magazine capacity cannot exceed 6 cartridges. |
| Lewiston mass shooting | In 2023, a gunman's deadly rampage in Lewiston, Maine, claimed at least 18 lives. |
| Maine's gun laws after the Lewiston mass shooting | Maine passed a "yellow flag" law to prevent mass shootings. |
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What You'll Learn
Maine's gun laws
Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws, but in the wake of the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, the state established a background check requirement that covers many unlicensed gun sales. Maine is a permitless carry state, meaning any person aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. Those aged 18 and above who are active-duty or honorably discharged military personnel are also included in this provision.
Maine does, however, have some gun laws in place. These include a requirement for new handguns to have childproofing features and microstamping technology, and for all gun dealers to obtain a state license. The state also regulates ghost gun parts, ensuring they cannot be sold without serial numbers and a background check, and prohibits the purchase of gun magazines above a prescribed size. Maine also does not have a 'Shoot First' law in place, and firearms must be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition in certain circumstances.
Despite these laws, Maine still has very few measures in place to prevent gun violence, and the vast majority of gun deaths in the state are suicides.
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Gun-related deaths
Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws, and it is a constitutional carry state, meaning that it allows permitless carry for individuals over a certain age who can legally possess a firearm. In 2015, Maine removed the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm, provided that the individual is legally allowed to own a gun and is over 21 or a member or veteran of the military and over 18.
While Maine has some policies focused on firearm suicide prevention, such as a waiting period, the vast majority of gun deaths in the state are suicides. In the wake of the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, the state established a background check requirement for many unlicensed gun sales. However, prior to this, voters and lawmakers had rejected proposals to expand background checks and create waiting periods for gun purchases.
In addition to background checks and waiting periods, other gun safety measures have been implemented in Maine. For example, Maine regulates ghost gun parts, requiring serial numbers and background checks for purchases, and the state has established storage requirements for firearms. Maine also prohibits the possession of firearms in certain locations, such as establishments serving alcohol, schools, and courthouses, and federal buildings.
Despite these measures, some argue that more needs to be done to prevent gun violence in Maine. Critics have pointed to the state's limited adoption of "red flag" laws, which are designed to seize weapons from individuals deemed to be a threat. Instead, Maine has opted for a “yellow flag” law, which is seen as a compromise between gun safety and the protection of constitutional rights. However, the effectiveness of this law in preventing mass shootings is uncertain.
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Concealed carry permits
Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws, but this has changed in recent years. The state now has several laws in place, including background checks for many unlicensed gun sales, a waiting period for firearms, and requirements for firearms to be stored locked and unloaded, separate from ammunition. Maine is a permitless carry state, meaning any person aged 21 or older (or at least 18 and active-duty or honorably discharged from the military) who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. However, Maine also offers resident and non-resident permits for those who wish to obtain them.
To obtain a Maine Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) permit, applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a firearms training course approved by the state. Applicants must also provide proof of completing a course in handgun safety offered by a law enforcement agency or certified firearms instructor within the last five years. Alternatively, applicants can personally demonstrate knowledge of handgun safety to an issuing authority. Some areas are off-limits to those carrying concealed handguns, including schools, courthouses, and Acadia National Park.
While Maine has relatively lax gun laws compared to other states, it does have some policies in place to restrict gun possession. For example, people with felony convictions, those subject to short-term emergency orders, and individuals with assault or other violent misdemeanour convictions are barred from carrying concealed weapons. Additionally, Maine does not force colleges and universities to allow concealed carry and blocks the public carry of guns on state capitol grounds and political protests.
The process for obtaining a concealed carry permit varies by state, and there is no federal law governing whether a state requires individuals to obtain permits. Some states require proof of residency, training, background checks, and fingerprinting. The time to obtain a permit can range from seven days to six months or longer, and permits must be renewed as required. It is important to stay up to date with gun laws and shooting skills to maintain proficiency and compliance with regulations.
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Gun safety laws
Maine, a state with historically few gun safety laws, has seen progress in this area following the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston. The state now requires background checks for many unlicensed gun sales and has established a waiting period for firearm purchases to aid in suicide prevention. Maine is also a "permitless carry" state, meaning anyone 21 or older (or at least 18 with active military service) who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a license or permit. This law, however, does not apply to people who pose a danger, domestic abusers, or those with felony convictions.
Maine has implemented several other gun safety measures, including regulations on ghost gun parts and the prohibition of specific firearm accessories. The state also allows lawsuits against manufacturers and dealers whose misconduct results in harm. Additionally, Maine does not force colleges and universities to allow concealed carry and blocks the public carry of guns on state capitol grounds and political protests.
While Maine has taken steps toward improving gun safety, it still faces challenges, and gun violence remains an issue. The inconsistent implementation of gun safety laws across states highlights the need for comprehensive and standardized federal legislation to protect Americans from gun-related harm.
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Gun-related crimes
Maine has historically had very few gun safety laws, and while it is a constitutional carry state, it has relatively low gun violence. The state has some policies in place to prevent firearm suicide, such as a waiting period, and it also allows law enforcement to petition for a court order to prevent someone in crisis from accessing guns.
In terms of gun laws, Maine has established a background check requirement for many unlicensed gun sales, and it bars domestic abusers and people with felony convictions from having guns. The state also regulates ghost gun parts and requires all gun dealers to be licensed. Maine prohibits the purchase of gun magazines larger than a prescribed size and requires new handguns to have childproofing features and microstamping technology. Open carry is allowed without a permit, except in federal buildings and establishments serving alcohol, and there are some areas that are off-limits, such as schools and courthouses.
Despite these laws, there have been recent failures to strengthen gun safety measures in Maine, including the rejection of proposals to expand background checks and create waiting periods for gun purchases. In 2019, a proposal for a red flag law was defeated in favor of a yellow flag law, which was designed to prevent mass shootings but was seen by critics as insufficient.
In 2023, a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, left at least 18 people dead. The gunman had previously been committed to a mental health facility, raising questions about whether the yellow flag law should have prevented the tragedy. While Maine has taken some steps towards stronger gun safety measures, critics argue that more needs to be done to protect its citizens from gun violence.
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Frequently asked questions
Article I, Section 16 of the Constitution of Maine states: "Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned." Maine is a constitutional carry (permitless concealed or open carry) and shall issue state for concealed carry.
Any person aged 21 or older (or at least 18 and active duty or honorably discharged military) who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
Yes, there are some restrictions. For example, you cannot carry a gun in schools, courthouses, or establishments licensed to serve alcohol. Open carry is also not permitted in federal buildings.
Maine has established some gun safety laws, such as requiring background checks for many unlicensed gun sales and implementing a waiting period for firearm purchases. The state also allows law enforcement to petition for a court order to temporarily prevent individuals in crisis from accessing guns.
It is unclear whether shootings have increased or decreased in Maine since the implementation of constitutional carry. However, there have been recent incidents, such as the Lewiston mass shooting in 2023, that have sparked discussions about strengthening gun laws in the state.
