Today, state Senate and House Republican leadership held a press conference to challenge recent requests by the Bangor Daily News to obtain personal information on all Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders in Maine.
The Bangor Daily News recently filed Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) requests to local police departments across the state requesting the names, addresses and birthdates of all CHP holders. Under current law, police departments are required to make this information available to the public.
This blatant violation of privacy is a clear example why Legislative Document 345 is needed to ensure the protection of law-abiding gun owners. LD 345, introduced by state Representative Corey Wilson (R-56), would protect the confidentiality of all CHP holders in the state. This legislation has garnered wide bi-partisan support and currently has 61 cosponsors.
Over recent months, there have been several instances of anti-gun media outlets publishing the names and addresses of CHP holders—jeopardizing the safety and violating the privacy of law-abiding citizens nationally. Such publications place lawful CHP holders at risk to criminals who may target their home to steal firearms. LD 345 would ensure that this never happens in Maine.
The NRA has sponsored and actively supported legislation throughout the country to protect this information as confidential. Also, please let your Senator know 31 states have already enacted Right-to-Carry confidentiality laws, and ten states are pursuing such legislation this year. Law-abiding citizens in Maine should be afforded the same protections.
Swift passage of this legislation is essential for the protection of law-abiding gun owners in the Pine Tree State. Please contact the following officials TODAY, as they will play an essential role in determining the future of this legislation:
Representative Seth A. Berry (D-67), House Democratic Leader
Phone: (207) 287-1430
Click here to send an e-mail
Representative Jeff McCabe (D-85), Assistant House Democratic Leader
Phone: (207) 474-5402
Click here to send an e-mail
Senator Seth Goodall (D-19), Majority Leader
Phone: (207) 737-4797
Click here to send an e-mail
Senator Troy D. Jackson (D-35), Assistant Majority Leader
Phone: (207) 436-0763
Click here to send an e-mail
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