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

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

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, March 26, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, introduced a bill to update Maine’s statutory definition of “machine gun,” and to prohibit bump stocks and other rapid-fire devices. LD 677, “An Act to Update the Statutory Definition of ‘Machine Gun’ and Prohibit Possession of a Rapid-fire Device,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.

“Maine must protect the public safety of its 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 what a “rapid-fire device” is and makes possession of one a Class D crime. A “rapid-fire device” is defined as a device that increases the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm above its original rate of fire without the device, which causes a semi-automatic weapon to function like a machine gun. The legislation ensures that Maine’s definition of machine gun encompasses technology developed in the 50 years since the definition was updated.

LD 677 faces further action in the Judiciary Committee.

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

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