Sen. Carney bill to update Maine’s statutory definition of “machine gun” and to prohibit rapid-fire devices receives committee support

Bill protects public safety in Maine by banning bump stocks, other rapid-fire devices

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 7, the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary voted to advance LD 677, “An Act to Update the Statutory Definition of ‘Machine Gun’ and Prohibit Possession of a Rapid-fire Device.” This bill, sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, would update Maine’s statutory definition of “machine gun” and prohibit bump stocks and other rapid-fire devices.

“Today, the majority of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee stood with me to protect public safety for Maine citizens by prohibiting devices that convert lawful semi-automatic weapons into illegal machine guns,” said Sen. Carney. “This bill is even more urgent now than it was a year ago, as the Supreme Court decision in Garland v. Cargill removed the national prohibition on bump stocks. These devices have proliferated in recent years, creating significant law enforcement and public safety concerns. It is time to update our laws to keep Maine people safe.”

LD 677 defines a “rapid-fire device” and makes possession of one a Class D crime. A “rapid-fire device” is defined as a device that materially increases the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm above its original rate of fire without the device, causing a semi-automatic weapon to function like a machine gun. This legislation ensures that Maine’s definition of machine gun encompasses technology developed in the 50 years since the definition was last updated.

LD 677 now faces votes in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Sen. Carney represents Maine Senate District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough.

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