Maine lawmakers have decided to postpone the debate regarding the state’s 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases until next year. This decision comes as lawmakers aim to allow the courts time to rule on a pending lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the law, which was enacted last year following the tragic shooting that claimed 18 lives in Lewiston in October 2023.
Gun safety advocates believe that the waiting period could reduce violence and suicides by providing a crucial cooling-off period, while opponents argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights. The law’s future remains uncertain, especially after a narrow passage in the Legislature and ongoing legal challenges that have already led to a temporary halt in its implementation. With shifting political dynamics and upcoming court decisions, the implications of this law could reshape the landscape of gun regulations in Maine.
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