AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed into law a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people and expanding mental health crisis care. The governor told lawmakers during her State of the State address that doing nothing was not an option after an Army reservist with an assault rifle killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston on Oct. 25. The bills drew opposition from Republicans who accused Democrats, who control both legislative chambers, of using the tragedy to advance proposals, some of which had been previously defeated. Mills said Friday the proposal would improve public safety while respecting the state’s long traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage. |
Bellinger returns from broken ribs, giving Cubs' lineup a big boostAlves granted €1m bail after sexual assault convictionBoeing's first astronaut launch is off until late next week to replace a bad rocket valveMarseille survive Villarreal fightback to go throughPromotion of intangible cultural heritage to enhance tourismBiden hosts Romanian leader at the White House to celebrate NATO partnershipMigrant camps spring up in gentrifying neighborhood with a Soho House and caviarCruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for AlaskaChinese cars gain popularity in BotswanaBiden hosts Romanian leader at the White House to celebrate NATO partnership