Maine Democrats Propose Gun Control and Mental Health Measures After Deadly Shooting

In response to Maine's deadliest shooting, Democrats introduce a suite of gun control and mental health bills, facing opposition from Republicans.

Democrats in the Maine Legislature introduced comprehensive gun control measures, including a 72-hour waiting period for most gun purchases, in response to the state's deadliest shooting.
The proposed bills aim to increase mental health spending, establish mobile crisis centers, and offer 911 callers access to mental health crisis workers.
Republicans, particularly Sen. Matt Harrington, criticized the measures as attempts to capitalize on the Lewiston crisis, noting that similar proposals were rejected in the past.
Governor Janet Mills proposed additional measures including background checks for private sales, construction of mental health crisis centers, and penalties for reckless sales.
An independent investigative commission may release preliminary findings next month to inform lawmakers' decisions, with the Legislature expected to conclude its work in April.