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. |
Central Auckland jewellers robbed in ram raid'Rust' armorer called 'sloppy,' defense says she's a scapegoatWatch: Christopher Luxon faces questions at postSome Auckland train services cancelledCoalition parties down, opposition up in Taxpayers UnionExplainer: What do we know about Kate's preventative chemotherapy?Seymour 'achieved what I wanted' in 10Watch: PM Christopher Luxon announces building products shakeAlexei Navalny was about to be freed in prisoner swap, says colleaguePrincess of Wales Kate having chemotherapy after cancer discovery