Maine “Mandatory Training” and “Burglar Protection” Legislation Scheduled For Work Session!

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has scheduled a work session for Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00 PM in State House room 436 for the firearm bills listed below.  Please make plans to attend this important public work session.

Legislative Document 778, introduced by State Senator Karl Turner (R-11), would require all new applicants and renewing holders of a Right-to-Carry permit to show documentation they have completed a firearms safety course that includes at least 6 hours of course work.  This bill also removes exemptions to current handgun safety course requirements for an applicant or holder of a Right-to-Carry permit who can personally demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter and course requirements or for a person who received basic firearms training as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States!  

Legislative Document 1111 (AMENDED) “The Maine Burglar Protection Act” introduced by State Senator Ethan Strimling (D-8), has now been amended to mandate the locked storage of all firearms in the home.  If this measure becomes law, Maine residents will be required to lock-up ALL of their firearms – leaving gun owners and their families defenseless against criminals!

The following bills will also be heard: 

LD 146 - Introduced by State Representative Richard Cebra (R-101) - "An Act To Enhance Self-Defense."

LD 148 - Sponsored by State Representative Cebra - "An Act To Provide Fairness in Concealed Weapon Reciprocity Agreements."

LD 1000 - Introduced by State Senator Margaret Rotundo (D-16)  - "An Act To Increase Firearm Safety on College Campuses."

We encourage you to attend this public work session on Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00 PM in State House Room 436!  If you are unable to attend please contact the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee members and your State Senator and Representative to urge their opposition to LD778 and LD1111.   Legislators can be reached at the following toll-free numbers: Maine House of Representatives 1-800-423-2900 and the Maine Senate 1-800-423-6900.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Members:

Senator Bill Diamond (D-Cumberland), Chair

Senator Earle L. McCormick (R-Kennebec)

Senator Roger L. Sherman (R-Aroostook)

Representative Stan Gerzofsky (D-Brunswick), Chair

Representative Patricia A. Blanchette (D-Bangor)

Representative Anne M. Haskell (D-Portland)

Representative Stephen P. Hanley (D-Gardiner)

Representative Dawn Hill (D-York)

Representative Bryan T. Kaenrath (D-South Portland)

Representative Richard M. Sykes (R-Harrison)

Representative Christian D. Greeley (R-Levant)

Representative Gary E. Plummer (R-Windham)

Representative Joseph L. Tibbetts (R-Columbia)