AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature approved sweeping gun safety legislation including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited people before adjourning Thursday morning, nearly six months after the deadliest shooting in state history. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and the Democratic-led Legislature pressed for a number of gun and mental health proposals after the shooting that claimed 18 lives and injured another 13 people, despite the state’s strong hunting tradition and support for gun owners. “Maine has taken significant steps forward in preventing gun violence and protecting Maine lives,” said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, who praised lawmakers for listening to their constituents. The governor’s bill, approved early Thursday, would strengthen the state’s yellow flag law, boost background checks for private sales of guns and make it a crime to recklessly sell a gun to someone who is prohibited from having guns. The bill also funds violence prevention initiatives and opens a mental health crisis receiving center in Lewiston. |
Dansby Swanson homers as the shortSantiago Espinal has 3 RBIs, Fernando Cruz pitches out of another jam and Reds beat Phillies 7China completes selection of about 38,000 local gov't special bond projectsSouth Carolina Senate approves $15.4B budget after debate on bathrooms and conference switchingChina reports general public budget spending near 7 tln yuan in Q1Blinken, in Shanghai, begins expected contentious talks with Chinese officialsMead hits 1st homer of the season and Rays beat Tigers 7Common prosperity goals catalyze regional cooperation in China's Yangtze River DeltaMead hits 1st homer of the season and Rays beat Tigers 7China completes selection of about 38,000 local gov't special bond projects