In 2024 Maine partially closed the background check loophole by enacting a law requiring a background check on the purchaser of a firearm for private sales at gun shows or other advertised private sales.1 Under the new law, a gun show is defined as any gathering open to the public other than a permanent gun store with the principal purpose of conducting firearm transactions. The other “advertised sales” covered by the law include any gun sale resulting from a message posted in writing, on television or radio, or online.
There is still no required background check for private gun transfers that take place outside of gun shows and are not advertised, such as sales resulting from a conversation between two individuals. However the Maine Legislature has adopted a resolution requiring the Department of Public Safety to assist private sellers who wish to obtain criminal history record information about potential purchasers of firearms.2
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