AUGUSTA, Maine – Lawmakers in Maine are returning to the state House with a heavy agenda ahead of them. The session is expected to be marked by tributes to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, which took place in Lewiston. The session is also set to include discussions on various gun safety proposals, including potential changes to the state’s so-called “yellow flag law”, which allows a judge to remove guns from someone in a mental health crisis.
The Maine Gun Safety Coalition planned a demonstration in the Hall of Flags to show support for victims and their families. David Farmer, spokesperson for the group, emphasized the urgent need for action on gun safety reform, saying “We cannot wait any longer to confront this growing problem.”
In addition to the gun safety proposals, the agenda also includes a request by State Rep. John Andrews to impeach Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. This request comes after she denied former President Donald Trump a spot on the state’s primary ballot over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The impeachment process and how it would play out in the Democratic-controlled Legislature remains unclear. It would first require a vote to proceed in the House, and then, if enough votes were secured, an impeachment vote in the House and trial in the Senate.
Furthermore, lawmakers will consider bills carried over from the last session, including proposals to give greater sovereignty to Native American tribes in the state and to amend the Maine Constitution to enshrine the right to an abortion, along with hundreds of other old and new bills. Lawmakers will also have to decide how to deal with a supplemental budget that’s expected to top $100 million.
Honoring victims of a mass shooting, discussing gun safety proposals, and considering impeachment proceedings against the Secretary of State are set to dominate the agenda as Maine lawmakers return to work. The session also includes the consideration of several other bills from the last session and addressing a substantial supplemental budget.