Governor Mills Signs Law to Expand Background Checks and Increase Mental Health Investments in Response to Mass Shootings

On Friday, Governor Janet Mills signed legislation aimed at expanding background checks and increasing investments in mental health services in response 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.

The legislation also 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. Additionally, 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.”

Two other gun-related bills await 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.