Help on a Constitutional Carry Bill (Maine)

[Ryanxia]

Maine has a proposed Bill (LD 652) to give Maine Constitutional Carry (citizens already allowed to legally open carry a handgun could put their jacket on without being criminalized). This is partly a thread to spread the word and hope that everyone lets their friends/family in Maine know about it and to contact their representatives.

The other part is according to this article http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/maine-for-constitutional-carry/#axzz3TRHLUQHy the House leadership could elect not to hear the Bill. Is there anything citizens can do in this situation to urge them to hear it? (I know State laws vary but thought it's worth a question thrown out there).

FTA:

Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn has submitted a bill that he said he would restore Second Amendment rights.

The bill has bipartisan support in the state legislator, with 96 sponsors.

"We criminalize the act of putting on a jacket or a coat that conceals that. All we're doing, is saying we're not going to treat you like a criminal if you put a jacket on. If you can already, legally, open carry a handgun," Brakey said.

To sum up, if you or someone you know lives in Maine please urge your State representatives to SUPPORT LD 652.

 

[Ryanxia]

I wrote to my House & State representatives. Maybe one of them is one of the decision makers that allows the Bill to be heard.

My letter sent through https://www.nraila.org/take-action/write-your-lawmakers/

Hello, I am writing to urge you to SUPPORT LD 652 "An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit" Sponsored by Senator Eric Brakey.

From Brakey: "All we're doing, is saying we're not going to treat you like a criminal if you put a jacket on. If you can already, legally, open carry a handgun,".

This is an important step in preserving our Constitution and joining the many other States that already have or are passing this same law.

Your constituents will be paying close attention to LD 652 and the way you represent us. Thank you.

 

[Devonai]

Would the proposed law extend to non-residents like Vermont? I lived in Maine for seven years and it would be nice to carry if/when I decide to visit my old stomping grounds.

 

[Ryanxia]

From the Bill text that I read it looks like it Devonai. It's short and sweet and just refers to 'person' not resident.

 

[Devonai]

That would be great, maybe then NH will finally follow suit. Currently the NH non-resident permit is $100/four years.

 

[Ryanxia]

NH currently has a similar Bill submitted (last I checked about a month ago). Not sure how well it's doing.

 

[akarguy]

NH's bill will probably get through both houses, Republican controlled. Unfortunately there is no veto proof majority and Maggie Hassan (D) still has to sign it

 

[Ryanxia]

NH's bill will probably get through both houses, Republican controlled. Unfortunately there is no veto proof majority and Maggie Hassan (D) still has to sign it

I guess it would be time to get active in contacting Governor Hassan in NH and telling her that her constituents want her to support it.

Luckily for Maine, Governor LePage is Pro-gun and has his own CCW license.

 

[Ryanxia]

Just a quick update - There is a public hearing Wednesday, April 8, 2015 1:00 PM,State House, Room 436 for people to urge that this Bill (LD 652) be allowed out of committee to be voted on by the representatives of Maine.