A new law went into effect yesterday in the state of Maine allowing anyone over the age of 21 who isn’t otherwise banned from carrying a firearm to carry concealed handguns without a permit. The statute also covers active-duty military and veterans 18 and over, and allows the possession of a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle or trailer.
The law was opposed every step of the way by gun control advocates and some urban police chiefs. Portland Police Chief Mike Sauschuck has tried to feed paranoia about permitless carry, which has certainly never become a problem for nearby Vermont. There will still be an incentive for gun owners to apply for a permit in order to take advantage of reciprocity agreements that Maine holds with other states.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Eric Brakey, posted on social media yesterday, “Today, something very rare has happened. One of our liberties has been restored to us.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
