Joint Order, To Require The Legislative Council To Hold A Public Hearing On L.D. 1378, I.B. 2, An Act To Protect Maine Communities By Enacting The Extreme Risk Protection Order Act

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Trey Stewart

SP 790 would compel the Maine Legislative Council to hold a public hearing on LD 1378, the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act; it does not enact ERPO policy and is dead.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)

Summary of SP 790 (Joint Order)

What the bill is

SP 790 is a Joint Order directed at the Maine Legislative Council. Its purpose is to require the Legislative Council to hold a public hearing on LD 1378, I.B. 2, titled “An Act To Protect Maine Communities By Enacting The Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.”

Classification: Joint resolution. Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD).

Purpose and substantive intent

The proposed Joint Order would have mandated a public hearing on LD 1378 I.B. 2, enabling lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public to present testimony and discuss the merits and concerns of the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Act.

It is a procedural measure intended to advance consideration of the ERPO/L.D. 1378 by ensuring public input before any further legislative action.

Key provisions (as drafted)

The bill would compel the Legislative Council to schedule and conduct a public hearing on LD 1378, I.B. 2.

No substantive policy changes are contained within SP 790 itself; it serves to trigger a hearing on the ERPO-related bill.

Legislative status and actions

Introduced: June 5, 2025.

June 5, 2025: Ruling of the Chair determined the Joint Order was not properly before the Senate.

June 5, 2025: Roll Call Ordered (Roll Call No. 388) — 19 Yeas, 13 Nays, 3 Excused, 0 Absent.

June 5, 2025: Senator Stewart (Aroostook) moved to Appeal the Ruling of the Chair, but the motion FAILED.

June 5, 2025: The ruling was subsequently ACCEPTED, and the Joint Order was deemed not properly before the Senate.

Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD). No further action anticipated under this session.

Context and potential impact

LD 1378, I.B. 2 refers to an Act To Protect Maine Communities By Enacting The Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. ERPO laws generally authorize temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed to be at imminent risk, with due-process protections. The Joint Order itself would not enact ERPO provisions but would require a public hearing to discuss LD 1378.

If the Joint Order had progressed, stakeholders (public safety officials, gun safety advocates, families, and the general public) would have had an opportunity to testify and influence subsequent consideration of the ERPO proposal.

With SP 790 dead, there is no immediate procedural path to a public hearing on LD 1378 within this legislative session.