MAINE GUN LAWS

Maine’s 2024 reforms include expanding background checks and implementing a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases. In 2025, Mainers built upon these reforms by approving a ballot initiative to establish an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) or “red flag law,” allowing courts to temporarily remove weapons from people who pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. Lawmakers also passed legislation to prohibit ghost guns, which will go into effect in 2027.

However, more remains to be done. Maine continues to allow the sale and use of bump stocks and similar devices that make guns even deadlier. Additionally, Maine passed a reckless permitless carry law in 2015 that allows residents to carry loaded, concealed handguns in public without a permit or background check.

In 2024, Maine had the 16th lowest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 178 people die from gun violence in the state. That means that someone dies from gun violence every two days. Eighty-five percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 11% are gun homicides. In Maine, the rate of gun deaths increased 21% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.