Maine Senate votes for permit-free concealed handguns
Via Steve Mistler at Portland Press Herald
AUGUSTA — Mainers are one step closer to being able to carry a concealed handgun without a permit after a decisive vote Thursday in the state Senate.
By 21-14, the Senate approved the heavily lobbied measure that pits gun rights activists against groups that want regulation and oversight of people who carry firearms.
The bill, L.D. 652, could make Maine one of only seven states that allow individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
Bill supporters argue that the mandatory permitting system creates barriers for law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to carry a gun.
“Studies are now confirming that where there are more concealed handguns, there is less violent crime. Therefore, I believe that in Maine, where we already have a culture of responsible gun ownership,
we should not be making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons.”
Maine is one more vote away from “Constitutional Carry,” there might soon be nothing hindering a citizen from carrying a concealed weapon.
The vote in favor of permit-free handguns was not nearly as close as some expected, making it hopeful to pass in Maine’s House of Representatives.
Data shows a decrease in violent crime where there is a high percentage of concealed carriers.
It is encouraging to see both parties responding to the facts and putting in the votes to back them up.
Hopefully, as more positive results come from concealed carrying we can expect other states to follow in Maine’s footsteps.
