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.
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Rylan Clark gets playful as he details intimate hotel moment with Rob Rinder during cosy interview
Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of 'crazy' ocean heat
Theft of more than 400 vehicles in Michigan leads to the arrest of 6 men
UNC interim chancellor backs AD Bubba Cunningham after trustee criticism, audit push
Rylan Clark gets playful as he details intimate hotel moment with Rob Rinder during cosy interview
House votes to require delivery of bombs to Israel, rebuking Biden
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Space tech expo convenes in California, showcasing latest in space industry
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Tommy Paul feels right at home on European clay. Swiatek to play Sabalenka in Italian Open final