Maine Gun Laws Could Look Very Different Under the Next Governor in 2026
Maine’s gun laws have become a major issue in the state’s next gubernatorial contest. The debate centers on two recently enacted measures: an extreme risk protection order, commonly called a red flag law, and a 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases. As reported in this report on Maine’s gubernatorial candidates and gun laws, the next governor could take a substantially different approach to implementation, enforcement, and future legislation than current Gov. Janet Mills.
For Maine gun owners, the issue is not simply whether these laws exist. It is also how state agencies, courts, law enforcement, and elected officials interpret and administer them. That makes the election relevant to anyone who owns firearms for self-defense, hunting, sport shooting, or family protection—and to anyone who may need to buy guns online through a licensed firearms dealer.
Two Maine Gun Laws Are Driving the Debate
Maine voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum creating a red flag process that allows certain family or household members to petition a court directly for an order temporarily restricting a person’s access to dangerous weapons. The measure followed renewed attention to the state’s firearm laws after the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, which killed 18 people and injured 13 others.
The new process is formally known as an extreme risk protection order, or ERPO. Under Maine law, a qualifying family or household member, law enforcement agency, or law enforcement officer may file a petition alleging that a person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or someone else with a dangerous weapon.
The Maine Judicial Branch’s ERPO guidance states that an order can prohibit a respondent from purchasing, possessing, receiving, or controlling a dangerous weapon for up to one year. The respondent may request termination, and a hearing must generally be held within 14 days of filing. These procedural safeguards are central to the debate over due process and the Second Amendment.
The second measure is a 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases. The law is facing a legal challenge, and its long-term status remains unsettled. The Democratic-led Maine Legislature has rejected efforts to repeal or roll back the waiting period while the litigation proceeds.
Where the Candidates Stand
Democrat Hannah Pingree said she supports both measures. She described implementation of the red flag law as dependent on coordination among courts, law enforcement, and mental health providers. She also said state resources and leadership would be necessary to make the law function effectively rather than leaving it as a policy that exists only on paper.
Pingree also supports the 72-hour waiting period, arguing that waiting periods can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including homicides and suicides. Her campaign acknowledged that her policy approach would differ from Mills, who opposed the red flag referendum but later secured funding for implementation.
Independent Rick Bennett said he would enforce both laws if the waiting period survives its legal challenge. Republican Bobby Charles said he opposes both measures and has argued that the red flag law raises constitutional and due-process concerns. Charles also said he would review existing gun laws to determine which policies align with law enforcement priorities and public safety.
The candidates’ positions have drawn sharply different reactions from Maine advocacy organizations. The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, which is involved in the waiting-period lawsuit, criticized Pingree’s position and gave Bennett and Charles favorable ratings. The Maine Gun Safety Coalition endorsed Pingree and described her as the candidate most aligned with the direction Maine voters demonstrated through the referendum.
Why Implementation Matters to Maine Gun Owners
For responsible gun owners, the practical details of enforcement matter as much as the statutory language. An ERPO petition can affect a person’s ability to possess or purchase firearms, and the law requires courts to evaluate factual allegations concerning a significant danger of physical injury. Maine’s Judicial Branch explains that petitions must include specific facts and information about known weapons when available.
Supporters argue that allowing families to petition courts directly creates another intervention option when a person may pose an immediate danger. Critics—including Charles and other Second Amendment advocates—argue that expanding firearm restrictions can create opportunities for false, exaggerated, or retaliatory claims and that constitutional rights should not be suspended without strong evidentiary protections.
The waiting period raises a different set of concerns. Supporters say a delay may help interrupt impulsive acts, while opponents argue that it can burden people facing an immediate threat, including domestic violence victims who need access to lawful self-defense. The dispute also highlights the importance of clear exemptions, timely background-check processing, and consistent procedures for licensed dealers.
Maine’s suicide statistics are part of the policy discussion. A 2026 state health department report presented to the Maine Legislature said that 283 Mainers died by suicide in 2024 and that firearms were involved in 55% of those deaths. Those figures are cited by supporters of waiting periods and other intervention policies, while gun-rights advocates emphasize that laws should target dangerous conduct without broadly burdening people who comply with the law.
What the Next Governor Could Change
The next governor could influence how state agencies fund and administer the ERPO system, how courts and law enforcement coordinate, and whether the administration supports additional firearm legislation. A governor could also shape the state’s approach to the waiting-period litigation and any future legislative effort to repeal, modify, or defend the law.
That does not mean the governor can unilaterally rewrite Maine gun laws. Statutory changes generally require legislative action, and constitutional questions remain subject to judicial review. The outcome of the waiting-period case could also limit the policy choices available to state officials.
For Maine residents, staying informed means reading the law itself, following court decisions, and understanding how a policy applies before purchasing, transferring, or carrying a firearm. Gun owners should also work with a reputable FFL dealer that can explain the transaction process and applicable state and federal requirements.
What Maine Gun Owners Should Watch Next
The key developments are the legal challenge to the 72-hour waiting period, the day-to-day operation of Maine’s ERPO process, and the candidates’ plans for the courts, law enforcement, and mental health systems that these laws rely on. The state’s approach could affect purchasing timelines, firearm-access disputes, and the broader balance between public-safety policy and individual rights.
Whether you are researching handguns for home defense, comparing rifles for sport shooting, or looking for ammunition and accessories, choose a knowledgeable gun store that takes compliance seriously. Follow the latest 2nd Amendment news for additional updates, and visit BT Gun Company, a licensed firearms dealer, to browse firearms and learn more about lawful purchasing options.
Stay current on Maine gun laws and make informed decisions about your rights and responsibilities. Contact BT Gun Company today for firearm selection, accessories, and knowledgeable service from an experienced FFL dealer.