House votes to uphold LePage veto of compromise community protection order

The amended legislation would have addressed individuals committed for mental health reasons

The Maine House of Representatives failed to override the governor’s veto of legislation from Sen. Mark Dion, D-Portland, to allow a court to remove firearms from individuals committed to admitted to a progressive treatment program. This was part of an effort to increase the identification of high-risk individuals and the capacity of communities to address these risks on Tuesday.

While the vote to override the veto was overwhelming and bipartisan in the Senate (31-3), the vote in the House of Representatives was 76-67, short of the necessary two-thirds support to override.

“Particularly in light of the recent events in Rockland, it is frustrating that this veto was upheld,” said Sen. Dion. “It is clear that we need to do more to keep our communities safe from individuals posing a threat to the safety and well-being of our schools and communities.

“Today we could have added another smart and reasonable way for our law enforcement to keep our communities safe, but we didn’t.”

This proposed legislation comes in response to recent school shootings and a heated debate about gun violence across the state and country. As amended, LD 1884 “An Act To Create a Community Protection Order To Allow Courts To Prevent High-risk Individuals from Possessing Firearms,” offered an avenue for court to temporarily remove weapons from a high-risk individual in a treatment program, who potentially poses a threat to others or themselves.

“Once again, House Republicans have walked away from their responsibility to public safety,” said Sen. Dion. “I’m certain this issue will be revisited in future legislatures and I hope the outcome is better then.”