LD2238 imposes a 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, meaning a seller cannot deliver a firearm to a buyer until three days after the purchase agreement. This waiting period runs alongside any required background checks.
The Maine State Senate passed LD2238 on April 17, 2024 by a vote of 18 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is just another example of Maine disparaging the rights of law-abiding citizens by hindering, through warrantless inquiry and delay, their ability to freely purchase and receive a firearm-without the burden of providing probable cause or proof of criminal activity. Nevertheless, the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment prevent "any State" from depriving or denying "any person" of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." Moreover, the Second Amendment guarantees that the unalienable "right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
United States Constitution
Second Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
United States Constitution
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
United States Constitution
14th Amendment Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.