Maine has enacted a new law requiring a 72-hour waiting period for some gun purchases, without Governor Janet Mills even bothering to sign it. While some may argue this sounds like just another roadblock for law-abiding citizens, let’s break down what this law is all about and what it means for you and your rights.
Background of the New Law
Governor Janet Mills has allowed LD 2238, a bill that requires a 72-hour waiting period for some firearm purchases, to become law without her signature. The aim, according to proponents, is to reduce gun violence and suicide rates by providing a “cooling-off” period for potential buyers. This law was introduced following the tragic mass shooting on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, which resulted in 18 deaths and 13 injuries.
Exceptions to this new law apply for antique firearms, law enforcement, and family members of sellers.
Arguments For the Law
Supporters argue that the law could help curb gun violence and firearm-related suicide rates. Governor Mills herself stated that the law could be a valuable suicide prevention tool, though she emphasized that effective suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach, including improving Maine’s extreme risk protection order law and expanding mental health services.
One Maine Senator, Peggy Rotundo, has touted the law as one that will “save” lives. She pointed out that the bill has “been around” a long time, and said it was originally created with public safety and suicide prevention in mind.
The new law requires a 72-hour waiting period for the purchase of some firearms. Anyone who violates the law for the first time could receive fines up to $500 with subsequent violations increasing up to $1000. https://t.co/pIqoqEEs97
— WRTV Indianapolis (@wrtv) August 10, 2024
Arguments Against the Law
Many opponents, however, see this as an example of government overreach. They argue the bill imposes an arbitrary standard, unfairly burdens law-abiding citizens, and does little to address the root causes of gun violence. Critics also fear that this delay could infringe on Second Amendment rights and have negative impacts on gun shows, hunting tourism, and immediate self-defense needs.
Governor Mills will request the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Attorney General to monitor Constitutional challenges to waiting periods in other jurisdictions and provide guidance on how the law affects temporary firearm transfers and acquisitions for personal protection under exigent circumstances.
In August, Maine's new 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases takes effect, requiring buyers to wait three days before taking firearms home. Intended to prevent suicides, the law may face criticism over concerns about practicality and potential revenue loss.
What do you…
— 97Percent (@97Percentorg) July 17, 2024
Maine’s Broader Gun Safety Measures
This waiting period comes amid other recent legislation aimed at public safety and mental health. The Governor has signed bills to enhance public safety, improve Maine’s extreme risk protection order law, expand background checks for firearm sales, establish an Office of Violence Prevention, and strengthen Maine’s mental health system by expanding crisis receiving centers.
Conclusion
Like many gun-related measures introduced throughout the U.S., this new law in Maine has proven to be a divisive one. However, whether it will achieve its intended effect remains to be seen. What do you think? Will the 72-hour delay help curb violence and suicide in the state?
Sources
- Maine Implements 72-Hour Waiting Period For Gun Purchases
- Less than a year after Maine mass shooting, new gun law goes into effect
- Prompted by mass shooting, 72-hour wait period and other new gun laws go into effect in Maine
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Gov. Janet Mills signed a number of other firearm and mental health bills in April:
Lewiston shooting fueled calls for more gun laws:
