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.
Minnesota legislators consider constitutional amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rights
Draisaitl scores twice as Oilers beat Kings 4
Stock market today: Asian markets wobble after Fed sticks with current interest rates
Longtime Missouri basketball coach Norm Stewart entered into the Hall of Famous Missourians
Tampa Bay Rays reinstate outfielder Josh Lowe from the 10
Lady Gaga's father says he was 'attacked' outside NYC church as he slams ongoing Big Apple crime
Georgia parliament cancels session after building damaged during huge protests
Heat on the Hurricanes after hooker injuries in Super Rugby Pacific
Two suspects arrested in fatal shooting on Delaware college campus are not students, police say
This Texas veterinarian helped crack the mystery of bird flu in cows
Mystery as California firefighters find two dead bodies inside 'human
Alaska Senate passes budget differing from House version with roughly $1,580 payments to residents