Senate approves concealed carry bill

Staff Report

 AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Paul Davis (R-Sangerville) to improve Maine’s reciprocity system for concealed weapons permits.

 LD 868, “An Act to Remove Limitations on Reciprocity for Concealed Handguns Permits,” removes the requirement that Maine must enter into a formal agreement with another state for that state’s permit to be recognized in Maine.

 One example of a state with which this has caused a problem is Ohio, according to a press release from the Maine Senate Republican office.

 Currently, Maine does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by Ohio, so Ohio residents traveling to Maine are prohibited from carrying concealed in the state.

 With the implementation of Davis’ bill, the law would change so that if a person’s state of residence honors a permit to carry a concealed handgun issued under Maine law, then Maine will recognize a concealed handgun permit issued by that person’s state of residence.

 As a result, situations such as those with Ohio would not arise because Maine would automatically recognize an Ohio permit as long as they recognized Maine permits.

 One of those who testified in favor of the bill last month was Dr. Larry DuBien of Greenville.

 DuBien joked that even though he has been a full-time resident of Greenville for the last 34 years, “I am what some may still call a flatlander.”

 He testified that he has been “fingerprinted, photographed, questioned, my criminal background has been checked as has my mental health background; and lastly, my police chief required me to show him I was competent in handling a handgun. I feel if a resident of another state goes through a similar vetting process, then he should be able to carry a concealed handgun in this state, if the other state will give me the same courtesy.”

 DuBien also cited a study that showed where people with valid concealed handgun permits “are among the most law-abiding of all citizens. That makes sense to me, since the process to get a concealed handgun permit involves many checks into a person’s background.”

 Davis testified that Maine’s current system for reciprocity “is far too complicated and hinders Mainers’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights if they travel outside the state. This bill simplifies the system and makes it easier for us to honor other states’ permits while encouraging other states to honor those issued by Maine. I’m pleased my Senate colleagues support this legislation.”

 The bill now goes to the House for further action.