Dion secures bipartisan sponsorship for “red flag” legislation

AUGUSTA — Sen. Mark Dion, D-Portland, turned in draft legislation on Thursday to increase the identification of high-risk individuals and enhance the capacity of communities to address these risks. Six Republicans and four Democrats, including Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, have signed onto the legislation as cosponsors.

“In light of the recent school shootings from Parkland High School in Florida to Great Mills High School in Maryland, we know we need to do more to protect our children and communities without infringing on the rights of firearm owners. This bill offers a balanced, sensible approach to keeping our schools, communities and public spaces safe,” said Sen. Dion. “I am pleased that colleagues on both sides of the aisle could join me in sponsoring this bill and am hopeful it can continue to receive broad, bipartisan support in both the Senate and House.”

LR 2943, “An Act To Create a Community Protection Order,” would provide an avenue for law enforcement or concerned individuals to petition the courts to temporarily remove weapons from a high-risk individual, who potentially poses a threat to others or themselves. This legislation comes after recent school shootings and an increasing number of threats and incidents regarding weapons in Maine schools.

The Community Protection Order would permit the court to temporarily remove weapons from an individual, who has demonstrated a clear, pattern of concerning behavior that seems to escalate. After 21 days, the individual would appear in court for a hearing. The order is designed to ensure that the removal of weapons would be directed and vetted by the court and not just predicated on police and family members.

The legislation will be referenced to a legislative committee for a public hearing sometime next week. A public hearing will be announced at a later date.

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