COMMITTEE ENDORSES BAN ON HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES

AUGUSTA—Maine’s Criminal Justice Committee in a vote of 7—6 supported President Justin Alfond’s measure to ban the possession of high capacity magazines.

“Since the recent spate of violence in our country, we can no longer put off making tough decisions. Times have changed,” said President Alfond. “And the committee was courageous in their support of a common sense measure that takes one step toward saving lives.”

In the last ten years, more than 325 people have been killed or injured during mass shootings where the gunmen used high capacity magazines.

During his testimony on the bill, President Alfond noted “The massacre in Newtown shook this country to its core. We can no longer put off having these charged conversations. Times have changed and this gun debate is different. Now is time to do something,” said President Alfond of Portland. “And with this bill, we have an opportunity to save lives and protect our Constitutional rights.

In Newtown, in 12 minutes, the gunman fired 154 rounds with ten 30-round magazines killing 26 people, including 20 children. In the time, the gunman reloaded, 11 children escaped.

The bill L.D. 997, An Act To Establish Restrictions on Ammunition Feeding Device, would, ban and make a Class D crime, the possession of high capacity magazines that carry more than ten rounds—exempting current and former law enforcement officials and those Mainers who currently own high capacity magazines legally.

Alfond added, “Restricting access to these high-capacity magazines in and of itself cannot prevent every evil act but we must take reasonable steps like this and also ensuring background checks to prevent the next horrible tragedy. As lawmakers, we cannot shirk our responsibility; it is our job to do all we can to keep our loved ones safe.”

The bill will now go to the Senate and House for further votes.

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