AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed into law a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people and expanding mental health crisis care.
The governor told lawmakers during her State of the State address that doing nothing was not an option after an Army reservist with an assault rifle killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston on Oct. 25.
The bills drew opposition from Republicans who accused Democrats, who control both legislative chambers, of using the tragedy to advance proposals, some of which had been previously defeated. Mills said Friday the proposal would improve public safety while respecting the state’s long traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage.
Hong Kong man jailed 21 months for throwing eggs
Hezbollah launches rockets, drones into Israel as US warns Iran
Screening of Hong Kong Poly U siege documentary slammed by pro
Nigerian journalist's arrest last week triggers criticism of worsening press freedoms
China and India hold talks over Ladakh border standoff
Arrests made after Lower Hutt siblings hospitalised with severe injuries
Wellington's Tuesday dinners celebrates 'amazing collection of people' 25 years on
Robyn Malcolm takes out best actress gong at France film festival
Here's where Biden and Trump stand on 10 key issues
‘Easter is a time to remember . . . to remember, amid all the distractions of life’