LD 1603 What Is Lisbon's Rep. Crafts So Afraid Of,,,, His Own Guilt Perhaps?

Bill would loosen gun carry laws for state workers

By Eric Russell, BDN Staff

Posted Jan. 30, 2012, at 12:40 p.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow state employees to bring guns to their workplace, as long as they have a concealed weapons permit and keep the firearm locked in their vehicle and out of sight.
LD 1603, sponsored by Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls, was modeled after a contentious bill that passed last session that gave similar rights to private-sector employees.

The Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on the new bill Monday, but the committee is not expected to vote on it until next month.
No one spoke in favor of the bill, although the National Rifle Association of America submitted written testimony in support.

“When the state allows employees to park on their property, the property rights of the state should not negate the constitutional right of self-defense for their employees,” the NRA letter read.

Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, the Senate chair of the criminal justice committee and a co-sponsor of the bill, said the bill’s intent is simply to give state employees the same rights as private-sector employees.

What did you leave Gina out on purpose?
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