AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Senate has sent a bill to Republican Gov. Paul LePage that would allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit.
The Republican-led Senate voted 23-12 to give final approval to Republican Sen. Eric Brakey’s bill on Tuesday.
The National Rifle Association says that Maine would join five states that don’t require people to get a permit to carry concealed handguns. People already don’t need one if their gun is visible.
LePage initially said he wouldn’t sign the bill because it didn’t allow military members and veterans who are under the age of 21 to be free from the permit requirement. But lawmakers added an amendment to address the governor’s concerns.
Some law enforcement officials and gun control groups have fiercely opposed the bill. They say the permit process is necessary to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.
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