Maine lawmakers are preparing to debate a new bill aimed at enhancing gun storage regulations following the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy in Lewiston, who was shot in the head. The proposed legislation, known as LD 1120, seeks to broaden existing laws on firearm storage to include unloaded guns and to raise penalties for unsafe storage, reflecting a growing concern over accidental shootings involving children.
Statistics from the CDC reveal that firearms have become the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 17, with approximately 4.6 million children living in homes with at least one unlocked firearm. Advocates argue that secure storage laws could significantly reduce the risk of unintentional injuries and deaths, with recent polls indicating that 79% of Maine voters support such measures. As lawmakers consider LD 1120, they aim to address a pressing public safety issue that has impacted families across the state.
Read full story at www.centralmaine.com
