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HP 899

Enclosed Please Find My Official Certification To The 132Nd Legislature Of The Citizen Initiative Petition Entitled "An Act To Protect Maine Communities By Enacting The Extreme Risk Protection Order Act".

132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

Maine legislature receives citizen petition to enact extreme risk protection orders allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing significant danger.

READ and ORDERED PLACED ON FILE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HP 899

Legislative bill overview

HP 899 is a citizen initiative petition for Maine's 132nd Legislature proposing an "Extreme Risk Protection Order Act" designed to protect communities. The bill, having passed citizen initiative requirements, is now formally submitted to the legislature for consideration. This represents the formal certification of a citizen-driven proposal rather than a legislator-introduced bill.

Why is this important

Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, sometimes called "red flag" laws, allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk to themselves or others. Maine communities have debated public safety measures, and citizen initiatives represent direct democratic participation in the legislative process. The outcome will reflect whether Maine adopts this particular approach to risk management.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Whether the standard of proof and procedural protections adequately protect individuals' rights while enabling rapid intervention
  • Definition of "extreme risk": How broadly or narrowly the law defines what constitutes sufficient danger to warrant firearm removal
  • Second Amendment tensions: Balance between gun rights advocates concerned about restrictions and public safety advocates supporting the measure
  • Implementation costs and practicality: Whether courts and law enforcement have resources to effectively administer the program
  • Effectiveness data: Empirical disagreement over whether ERPO laws demonstrably reduce suicide or mass shooting incidents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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