Governor Mills Signs Legislation to Expand Background Checks and Invest in Mental Health Services after Mass Shootings in Lewiston

Governor Janet Mills signed legislation on Friday to expand background checks and increase investments in mental health services, responding to the mass shootings that occurred in Lewiston in October. The bill, proposed by the governor, mandates background checks for advertised firearm sales and elevates the sale of a firearm to a prohibited individual to a felony offense.

Additionally, the legislation modifies the existing yellow flag law to empower law enforcement to seek a protective custody warrant directly from a judge and confiscate weapons if they suspect a potential risk of harm. Furthermore, it establishes an Office of Violence Prevention within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and designates funds for crisis receiving centers in Lewiston, Penobscot County, and Aroostook County.

Governor Mills emphasized that tackling violence requires comprehensive measures and that the provisions in this law are not extreme or uncommon but tailored to address the specific needs of Maine. She stated, “Violence is not a simple problem, nor is the remedy a single, simple measure.”

While this bill addresses background checks and mental health services, there are two other gun-related bills awaiting action. These bills propose implementing a 72-hour waiting period between the purchase and pick up of a firearm as well as banning bump stocks that enhance a weapon’s firing capacity.