STATEMENT ON 72 HOUR WAITING PERIOD LAW IN EFFECT TODAY - 8/9/24

*All information contained herein should be considered Advisory. If you have any questions on how to comply with any law in the State of Maine, please consult an Attorney*

The 72 Hour Waiting Period for the purchase of certain firearms by certain individuals goes into effect today, August 9th, 2024.

Given the ambiguous language of the law, as found here, we understand that many people-especially FFL’s/dealers- have questions about how to comply with the law while we await the filing of the legal challenge.

The State has issued advisory language outlining its suggestions on how to comply with the unconstitutional law that was passed last legislative session, as found here.

We would encourage all of our members to familiarize themselves with the letter of the law as passed by the legislature and allowed to go into law by the Governor without her signature.

We understand that the approach of each individual firearms dealer may vary, especially given the vague nature of the chapter law and advisory put out by the Maine Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Attorney General that requests more information to be gathered than the law requires which could be construed to be the beginning of a gun registry - which as we all know - is illegal.

However, more FFL’s/firearms dealers have reached out to us looking for guidance than we can count. This includes small businesses, large businesses, and attorneys who are trying to make sense of this extremely vague law. Many are looking for solidarity among their fellow dealers, and to stand together and use the same tracking method. The state has had months to issue any type of guidance on this matter, instead choosing to issue an advisory, just days before the law goes into effect, that not only suggests an attorney be hired - which is financially difficult for some businesses to achieve- but asks for more information than the letter of the law requires.

It is the official position of Gun Owners of Maine that the letter of the law states that an “Agreement" means an agreement reached between a buyer and a seller for the purchase and the sale of a firearm and that this sample form, not only adheres to the letter of the law, but exceeds it.

If you are a dealer who would choose to use this form, please email info@gunownersofmaine.org, so that we can begin the process of forming a secure network of dealers and support you in any way we can.

If you are a dealer who encounters an individual who believes their life has been endangered by the waiting period and may be willing to share their story, please reach out to Laura directly at laura@gunownersofmaine.org to facilitate a conversation.

~ PLEASE REMEMBER ~

We would not find ourselves in this position if we used our votes to secure a Gun Rights Majority in Augusta. Please visit www.gunownersofmaine.org and review our candidate grades as you consider you will vote in the election this November.

In the Pursuit of Liberty,

Laura Whitcomb, President

Joshua Raines, Vice President

Richard Coshow, Treasurer

Anne Amadon, Board of Directors

Ryan Appleby, Board of Directors

Andee Reardon, Board of Directors

*All information contained herein should be considered Advisory. If you have any questions on how to comply with any law in the State of Maine, please consult an Attorney*