Maine Legislators Push for Enhanced Firearm Storage Requirements

State Officials Advocate for Stricter Gun Safety Measures

Maine lawmakers are advancing new legislation aimed at strengthening the state's firearm storage requirements. This initiative comes as the state continues to navigate ongoing legal challenges surrounding its existing 72-hour mandatory waiting period for gun purchases, with that case still working its way through the judicial system.

Current Legal Framework for Gun Storage

Existing Parental Responsibility Laws

Under Maine's present statutory framework, parents and guardians face legal obligations regarding firearm security in households with minors. The current regulations establish criminal liability for gun owners when children under 16 years of age gain unauthorized access to loaded firearms without parental consent.

These existing provisions serve as both deterrent and enforcement mechanism, though prosecution under these statutes may vary depending on circumstances. The state actively promotes responsible storage practices through official channels, including distributing National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) storage guidelines via the Maine government website.

Scope of Current Regulations

The present law structure focuses specifically on loaded firearms and children under 16, requiring either direct supervision or secure storage to prevent unauthorized access. While violations may not always result in prosecution, the framework establishes clear expectations for responsible gun ownership in homes with minors.

Proposed Legislative Changes

Introduction of LD1120

State representatives are now considering more comprehensive storage requirements through proposed legislation LD1120. This bill would significantly expand Maine's firearm storage mandates beyond the current focus on minors.

Key Provisions of the New Legislation

The proposed law would create criminal penalties for negligent storage that allows access by both minors and individuals legally prohibited from firearm possession. This represents a substantial broadening of Maine's current approach to gun storage accountability.

Official Legislative Summary

According to the formal summary of LD1120 under consideration by state leadership:

"Under current law, it is a Class D crime to negligently store a loaded firearm in a manner that allows a child under 16 years of age to gain access to the loaded firearm without the permission of the child's parent. This bill repeals that law and makes it a Class D crime to negligently store a firearm so that a minor or person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm may gain access to the firearm and either use it in the commission of a crime or display it in a threatening manner. The bill also makes it a Class C crime to negligently store a firearm in a way so that a minor or prohibited person may gain access to the firearm and use it to cause the death of or serious bodily injury to any person. The bill also requires licensed firearms dealers to post a notice in any area where sales or transfers occur informing purchasers that access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic violence disputes and unintentional death of children."

Enhanced Criminal Classifications

Class D and Class C Violations

The proposed legislation establishes a tiered penalty system based on the severity of potential consequences. Class D crimes would apply when improper storage leads to criminal use or threatening display of firearms by unauthorized individuals. More serious Class C violations would be triggered when negligent storage results in death or serious bodily injury.

Expanded Retail Requirements

Beyond storage mandates for gun owners, LD1120 would impose new obligations on licensed firearms dealers. These businesses would be required to display notices about firearm-related risks in all sales areas, specifically addressing suicide risk, domestic violence fatalities, and accidental deaths involving children.

Legislative Context and Timing

This push for enhanced storage laws occurs as Maine continues to refine its approach to gun regulation. With the waiting period legislation still under legal review, lawmakers are simultaneously pursuing additional safety measures through storage requirements that could affect a broader range of gun owners and scenarios than current law addresses.