While many states allow citizens to carry a concealed firearm with a permit, there are only a few states which currently allow virtually unrestricted concealed carry. Many gun rights advocates across the nation are trying to change that, however, with several so-called “constitutional carry” bills popping up in various states.
The latest state to introduce such legislation is Maine and while the bill was just introduced last week, it has already gotten 96 sponsors in the legislature. The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Eric Brakey and would allow anyone who is allowed to possess a firearm under federal and state law to carry it concealed without having to first obtain a permit. The bill would also change a state law which currently prohibits a person from possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
While the bill may already have nearly 100 sponsors and plenty of support from gun owners in the state, not everyone is excited about it. The Maine Chiefs of Police Association, for example, says they oppose the legislation even though they understand why it has garnered a lot of support.
“I would like to think that maybe the process could be slowed down a little bit and take a closer look at the whole process and maybe come up with a more clear standard by which the towns or the state make this determination,” Bob Howe with the Maine Chiefs of Police told reporters.
Maine is just the latest state to propose such legislation, with many other preceding in recent times. In fact, both Idaho and South Dakota recently introduced similar legislation. Much like in Maine, the legislation has received both support and criticism. In Idaho, the Second Amendment Alliance is strongly pushing the bill while some law enforcement officers, like Pocatello Police Chief Scott Marchand, are strongly opposing it.
