AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed into law a suite of gun safety legislation approved by lawmakers after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, expanding background checks for private sales of weapons, bolstering the state’s “yellow flag” law, criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people and expanding mental health crisis care. The governor told lawmakers during her State of the State address that doing nothing was not an option after an Army reservist with an assault rifle killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston on Oct. 25. The bills drew opposition from Republicans who accused Democrats, who control both legislative chambers, of using the tragedy to advance proposals, some of which had been previously defeated. Mills said Friday the proposal would improve public safety while respecting the state’s long traditions of gun ownership and outdoor heritage. |
Photographer gives Greeks online tour of ChinaInterview: Zheng Qinwen: Keep my eyes on the sky and feet on the groundHighlights of Hangzhou Asian GamesChinese museum opens up digital database of 2,000Chinese judoka Guo collects bronze on opening day of Hangzhou AsiadNew bibliography catalogs about 8,600 antique Traditional Chinese Medicine booksChina launches new remote sensing satelliteChina eases past Myanmar to reach last 16 in Asiad men's football eventChina eases past Myanmar to reach last 16 in Asiad men's football eventEU releases blocked funds of $6.7 billion to Poland as part of its post