Maine House Narrowly Approves New Gun Regulations

As someone who is a gun owner and is also a survivor of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, this topic is always difficult for me.

Having to run defenseless while someone was shooting at me, my friends, and my community that I adore is something that has permanently affected my life.

I'll never forget afterward, how a (very much ex-) friend thought it was appropriate to share with me that she thought it was beneficial for our country that the shooting took place at a country music concert attended by who many consider to be gun owners with hopes that it would strengthen gun regulations.

That day and that comment will always make my stomach churn.

Maine officials have decided these regulations will help prevent any further shootings.

Maine lawmakers narrowly passed proposals to require a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases and a ban on bump stocks. A bump stock is a device that can be attached to a gun and was used heavily at the Route 91 Music Festival that I attended in Las Vegas. While I don't pretend to know the answer to "how" to end these senseless killings, I will always want the ability to own firearms to protect my loved ones.

Maine lawmakers also want to strengthen yellow flag laws.

Yellow flag laws are utilized to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who suffer from mental health issues. This legislation is all being pursued after the shooting in Lewiston, Maine six months ago. 

Another round of voting by Maine officials on these gun restrictions will take place.

Although the first proposal passed, both the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine Senate must pass it one more time for it to be sent to the desk of Governor Janet Mills.