Millett introduces bill to help decrease gun deaths in Maine

AUGUSTA — Legislation introduced by Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, would help reduce firearms-related deaths in Maine. LD 1312, “An Act Regarding Access to Firearms by Extremely Dangerous and Suicidal Individuals,” received a public hearing before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on Monday.

“As a parent and a lawmaker, I know these policies are highly personal, but they’re also critically important,” said Sen. Millett. “We can and we must do more to prevent firearms-related deaths. This is a balanced, reasonable measure that protects vulnerable people in our communities without unduly infringing upon anyone’s constitutional rights.”

LD 1312 allows a family member or law enforcement officer to petition the court with a sworn affidavit to have a person’s firearms temporarily removed, if it’s shown there is probable cause that the person is in crisis. The court, within 14 days of the petition, would hold a hearing to determine whether there was clear and convincing evidence that the person in question was a threat to themselves or someone else. The person would retain legal ownership of their firearms throughout the proceedings.

According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of all suicides in Maine involve a firearm. Additionally, according to a state report issued in 2018, domestic violence homicides consistently account for nearly half of all homicides in Maine. LD 1312 seeks to decrease the rates of both suicides and homicides in the state by temporarily removing access to firearms by a person in crisis who is an imminent threat to themselves or someone else.

The Maine Chiefs of Police Association submitted testimony in support of the bill, saying, “The fact that we cannot find a perfect solution does not justify inaction. There are situations where the bill before you today could make the difference between life and death.”

The association also noted in its testimony that the bill includes “key provisions that prevent abuse of the issuance of the community protection orders.”

LD 1312 faces further action in the committee and votes before the Maine Senate and House.