Overview
- Question 2 would create an extreme risk protection order allowing family members, household members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms.
- Unlike Maine’s yellow flag statute, which requires police protective custody and a medical evaluation, the proposed ERPO provides a separate path and would not replace the current law.
- During WMTW’s debate, participants said no one can state with certainty whether a red flag or yellow flag process would have prevented the Lewiston mass shooting.
- Opponents, including Maine State Police Lt. Michael Johnston and advocate David Trahan, warned of potential abuse and due process issues and emphasized police-led welfare checks.
- Supporters cited state court rulings upholding ERPOs elsewhere and highlighted retired South Portland Police Chief Ed Googins’ endorsement, arguing families need direct access to courts ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, when voters will decide.