Posted May 29, 2015 6:43 pm by Comments

By Tim

Photo courtesy of AP

Photo courtesy of AP

On a 21-14 vote, a bill allowing handgun owners to carry concealed weapons without permits gained approval in the Maine Senate on Thursday.

The bill, LD 652, sponsored by state Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, would do away with Maine’s requirement that an individual wanting to carry a concealed weapon first obtain a permit from Maine State Police or local officials. The permit requirement now in place requires a criminal background check, a mental health screening and evidence the individual has participated in a handgun training program.

Brakey’s legislation, referred to by gun rights advocates as “constitutional carry,” would not eliminate Maine’s permitting system, which also allows permit-holders to carry concealed weapons in some other states.

Maine law already permits individuals to carry firearms openly in most public places where guns are not explicitly prohibited.

Lawmakers supporting the bill argued that current law does little to prevent criminals from carrying concealed weapons and that law-abiding gun owners should not be criminalized for hiding firearms.

“If someone plans to commit a crime with a firearm, they have little incentive to seek a permit before committing their crime,” Brakey said. “This policy only impacts those who seek to remain law-abiding citizens. …read more

Source:: GunsNFreedom

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