COVID-19: Threat to Second Amendment

Nothing is more important than protecting ourselves and our families -- especially during these times of uncertainty. Yet, some anti-gun lawmakers are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to deny you and your loved ones your fundamental right to self-defense and your Second Amendment rights.

These anti-gun and anti-self defense extremists deem gun stores "non-essential," they shut down issuance of firearm permits, and, in some locations, they have created extreme delays for background checks required for firearm transfers. Some jurisdictions have even put added restrictions on firearm transfers, making it all but impossible for many law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

All of this is happening against a backdrop of reported prisoner furloughs and law enforcement only arresting for the most serious of crimes.

Just like you, we know that's wrong.

That is why the NRA will keep a constant watch on what is happening nationwide and will work diligently to ensure that you are able to defend yourself and your family during these unprecedented times. In the past four decades, your NRA has led the way to pass Right-to-Carry, Castle Doctrine, and most important for the current crisis, protection against gun confiscation during declared emergencies. This time is no different.

We hope you find this website useful. Please use it to stay updated on what's happening in your town or state and across the country. If you need help or would like to alert us to something happening in your town or state, please contact us here or send us an email at [email protected].

During these difficult times, your NRA is keeping vigilant watch over your right to buy a gun and to make sure you are able to defend yourself and your family. The NRA fights for all law-abiding gun owners, whether they can afford to donate or not. We understand times are tough. But, if you have the means, please help us keep fighting against those politicians who are determined to strip away our right to self-defense and their billionaire backers. Every dollar counts. We thank you in advance.

If you are unable to help us at this time, please drop us a line and let us know how you and your family are doing. We are always grateful to hear from our members and supporters. Again, a big THANK YOU from all of us here at the NRA.

Stay safe.

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Covid-19 Articles

Click here to view your state's laws on emergency powers and firearms

State preemption law: 25 M.R.S.A. § 2011(1)-(3). The State occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation of firearms, components, ammunition and supplies, although localities and political subdivisions may enact rules or ordinances that “conform[] exactly with any applicable provision of state law or which regulates the discharge of firearms within a jurisdiction.” Otherwise, no municipality, county, township or village corporations may “adopt any order, ordinance, rule or regulation concerning the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer, ownership, use, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration, taxation or any other matter pertaining to firearms, components, ammunition or supplies,” and any existing or future order, ordinance, rule or regulation in this field of any political subdivision of the State is void.

Restrictions on firearms and ammunition in a declared state of emergency: 25 M.R.S.A. § 2011(5) states that during a state of emergency declared by the governor 37-B M.R.S.A. § 742(1), no person acting on behalf or under the authority of the State or a political subdivision of the State may:

Prohibit or restrict the otherwise lawful possession, use, carrying, transfer, transportation, storage or display of a firearm or ammunition, although commercial sales of firearms or ammunitions may be affected if an authorized person has ordered an evacuation or general closure of businesses in the area.

Seize or confiscate, or authorize the seizure or confiscation of, an otherwise lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition unless the person acting on behalf of or under the authority of the State is defending self or another against an assault; arresting a person in actual possession of a firearm or ammunition for a violation of a law; or seizing or confiscating the firearm or ammunition as evidence of a crime.

Require registration of a firearm or ammunition for which registration is not otherwise required by state law.

The emergency law confers a private right of action on any person who is subjected to an action prohibited by the emergency law, and any person who has a firearm or ammunition seized or confiscated in violation of the emergency law may bring an action in the Superior Court of the county of his or her residence or in which the firearm or ammunition is located, for the return of this property. The court must award a prevailing plaintiff costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

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Maine: City of Portland Illegally Classifies Gun Shops as “Non-Essential”

Legal & Legislation

Friday, April 17, 2020

Maine: City of Portland Illegally Classifies Gun Shops as “Non-Essential”

In response to COVID-19, the Portland Mayor and City Council adopted Order No. 156-19/20 on April 14th, which replaced the list of essential businesses previously ...