guns

Several dozens of supporters and opponents of the proposed "red flag" gun law laid out their arguments for a legislative committee.

The Legislature's Judiciary Committee now plans to hear testimony on the issue starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.

The Democratic co-chairs of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee have argued that, despite a state law requiring a hearing, the best and most direct way to hear from the public is to allow the issue to go to voters this fall in a referendum.

The Democratic leaders of a legislative committee say a public hearing isn't required under Maine's Constitution. But that runs contrary to state law, which requires lawmakers to hold hearings on citizen-initiated ballot questions.

Maine already has a "yellow flag" law allowing police to seek a court order forcing someone to give up their guns if they pose a danger to themselves or others. But a ballot initiative headed to voters this fall would institute a broader "red flag" law in Maine.

The ruling means that the waiting period law will not be enforced while the court hears an appeal of a lawsuit filed by gun owners' rights groups.

But many of the measures likely face stiff political headwinds given the tighter margins between Democrats and Republican in both chambers of the Legislature and past, bipartisan opposition to some of the issues.

A federal judge has denied Attorney General Aaron Frey's request to reinstate Maine's 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases while the case is appealed.

Supporters argue the law passed last year will help avoid suicides by preventing impulsive gun purchases. But opponents see it as an infringement of the Second Amendment.

Maine's score rose roughly seven points since last year, to 27 out of 100.