SENATE ENDORSES VOLUNTARY BACKGROUND CHECKS

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate voted 18-17 to support voluntary background checks for sellers who transfer ownership of a firearm in a private sale, that account for an estimated 40 percent of gun sales in Maine.

“This is a common-sense measure that helps keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them,’ said Senator Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick, the chair of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. “Let’s stop trying protect people who can’t pass background checks.”

The bill would impose a civil fine of $500 if the seller does not perform a background check and the buyer is later discovered to be a prohibited person. Subsequent incidents would be considered misdemeanors, as would knowingly and intentionally selling to a prohibited person.

Senator Gerzofsky added, “No one who is legally able to have a gun will be prohibited from doing so.”

Nearly all background checks can be performed in less than 90 seconds and nearly 99 percent of Mainers live within 10 miles of a licensed gun dealer who can perform the check.

“If I’m selling a firearm, I sure as heck want to have the peace of mind that I am selling to someone who should not be prohibited from owning a dangerous weapon,” said Senator Gerzofsky.

LD 1240, “An Act to Promote the Safe Use and Sale of Firearms,” has passed in the House with a 78-66 vote. Today’s affirmative vote in support of the measure will allow the measure to go forward with additional votes in the House and the Senate.

###