Maine Holds Hearing on Red Flag Gun Law

A public hearing was held at the Maine State House on a proposed 'red flag' law, following pressure and legal threats from Republican lawmakers and gun rights groups who argued state law required the session. The citizen-initiated proposal would allow family or household members to directly petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone in crisis, expanding beyond the current 'yellow flag' law that involves law enforcement and a mental health evaluation. Supporters, including gun safety advocates and some families affected by gun violence, argue the change is needed to empower families and address gaps highlighted by the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting. Opponents, such as the Maine State Police, Governor Janet Mills' office, and gun rights groups, claim the law would threaten due process and is unnecessary under current statutes. Democratic lawmakers, who initially resisted the hearing on constitutional grounds, reversed course after bipartisan criticism and public demand. If not passed by the Legislature, the measure will go to Maine voters as a ballot question in November.