MaineProposed Maine amendment would limit firearm purchase codes
A replacement amendment that later died would have limited special codes for firearm purchases and let the Attorney General investigate violations.
What it does
Maine firearm retailers could use only general retail or sporting goods codes for firearm, ammunition, and accessory purchases. Payment card acquirers and networks could not use a special firearm code.
The Attorney General could investigate suspected intentional violations and would have to give a violator a chance to fix the problem before bringing an action. Courts could order a stop to violations and other relief.
The proposed amendment would set aside $185,010 for part-time Attorney General and detective positions, plus related costs, in fiscal year 2026–27.
Argument forGeneral retail or sporting goods codes could make it harder for payment companies to single out customers’ firearm purchases.
Argument againstIf adopted, the proposed staff funding could use public money for enforcement positions, leaving less available for other state needs.
More detail
The proposed amendment would bar payment card acquirers and networks from assigning, requiring, or allowing a special code for firearm sales. The rule would cover Maine businesses that lawfully sell firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories, and payment card acquirers and networks. Retailers could use only a general merchandise or sporting goods code for these purchases. The proposed amendment sets January 1, 2026 as its effective date.
The proposed amendment would let the Attorney General investigate and enforce violations. These provisions would apply to people or organizations suspected of violating the proposed rules. The Attorney General could investigate when there is reasonable cause to believe someone intentionally violated, is violating, or is about to violate the rules. After finding a violation, the Attorney General would have to give written notice. The recipient could avoid an action by correcting the problem within 30 days and providing a written statement and supporting documents. The Attorney General could seek a court order against someone who fails to correct a violation or intentionally breaks a written promise to correct it. A court could order other relief, including civil penalties and legal costs. The proposed amendment sets January 1, 2026 as its effective date. A violator would have 30 days after receiving written notice to correct the problem.
The proposed amendment would set aside money for part-time enforcement staff and related costs. The funding would support the Attorney General’s office in enforcing the proposed rules. The proposed amount is $185,010 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026–27. The appropriation is listed for fiscal year 2026–27.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Became Law
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)Died
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- Jun 18On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
- Jun 18Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Jun 18PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Became Law
- Jun 17In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Vote recorded ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 17The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-360).Minor
- Jun 17Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.
- Jun 17Committee Amendment "A" (S-360) was READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Jun 17The Bill was READ ONCE.Minor
- Jun 17(Yeas 75 - Nays 72 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)
- Jun 17ROLL CALL NO. 560
- Jun 17On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
- Jun 17Reports READ.
- Jun 17Sent down for concurrence
- Jun 17Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-360)Minor
- Jun 17Taken from the table by the President
- Jun 13TABLED until Later in Today's Session PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-360)Minor
- Jun 13RECONSIDERED PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-360)Minor
- Jun 13On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland
- Jun 12Roll Call Ordered HELD at the Request of Senator BRENNER of Cumberland.
- Vote recorded ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded ACCEPT MINORITY OUGHT NOT TO PASS REPORT. Result: fail.Upper
- Jun 12PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-360)Minor
- Jun 12Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIMEMinor
- Jun 12Committee Amendment "A" (S-360) READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Jun 12Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 492 Yeas 20 - Nays 15 - Excused 0 - Absent 0
- Jun 12Subsequently, the The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED PREVAILED
- Jun 12Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 491 Yeas 16 - Nays 19 - Excused 0 - Absent 0
- Jun 12On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland the Minority Ought Not to Pass Report FAILED
- Jun 12Reports Read
- Jun 11Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
- May 22Voted - Divided Report
- May 22Work Session Held
- May 1Received by the Secretary of the Senate on May 1, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2Introduced
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