AUGUSTA - Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at lowering Maine's high rate of suicide deaths. LD 2119, as amended, would allow individuals to voluntarily and confidentially have their names added to the federal do-not-sell firearms list, thereby preventing future gun purchases during a suicidal crisis. A second part of the bill would allow "firearm hold agreements," making it possible for family members or gun shops to safely store an individuals firearms upon request and without liability.
Speaking before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Doudera noted Maines high suicide rate, citing that firearms are the most frequently used method of death. She highlighted the economic and emotional cost of suicide to Mainer's and agreed rates might be reduced were LD 2119 to become law.
"In a nutshell, this legislation would create two voluntary, confidential options for Maine residents who, for a time, may not want the ability to purchase guns nor have them in their possession. Both actions are revocable: people can easily and voluntarily remove their names from the do-not-sell list, and they can retrieve their firearms from storage with family members or a gun shop."
Public health advocates from around the state and country testified in favor of the bill, including Shamera Simpson, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
"Research shows us that putting time and distance between a person at risk and the lethal method can save their life", said Simpson. "When people at risk of suicide are unable to access a lethal suicide method, such as a firearm, most will not attempt suicide by other means. Temporary restriction of access to a firearm during a time of increased risk gives individuals who are suicidal something they desperately need: time. Time for the intense suicidal risk to diminish, and time for someone to intervene with mental health support and resources."
The voluntary do-not-sell measure is also known as Donna's Law and is already in use in Utah, Virginia and Washington state. Doudera's bill goes further by also providing an option for the safe storage of firearms. The legislation defines a legal written or oral "firearm hold agreement" and limits the liability for safely and securely storing firearms at an individuals request.
"I spoke to several gun shop owners who would really like to offer this service for customers, and it is another way we can help support responsible gun ownership," said Doudera. She also said this type of arrangement is common for many reasons, such as during a firearm owners military deployment, when a house is listed for sale or during stressful family events.
The Legislature's Judiciary Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Doudera is serving her third term in the Maine House and is a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee. She represents the towns of Camden and Rockport and is the Maine State Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. She is also co-chair of the Legislature's Gun Safety Caucus.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Doudera], c. 305-965-2744