MPBN: Bill Allowing Concealed Weapons Without Permits Moves Ahead, with Amendments

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Still, critics of the bill say that Maine's current concealed weapon permit law is preferable to the constitutional carry bill. Rep. Justin Chenette, a Saco Democrat, offered the example of "John Doe" who has been convicted of misdemeanor assault and domestic assault, and who owns a gun and wants to apply for a concealed weapons permit. With that type of record, Chenette said John Doe would be denied the right to a concealed weapons permit under current law.

"Now, if this bill becomes law, it would be legal for John to carry a concealed carry in public," Chenette said. "Law enforcement can no longer prevent John Doe - a convicted violent criminal with multiple recent convictions and arrests - from carrying a hidden loaded gun in public."