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Maine senators reject proposal to require background checks on private gun sales

Maine senators reject proposal to require background checks on private gun sales

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The state Senate has voted against a bill that would require background checks on private gun sales.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the Senate voted 21-13 Tuesday against the bill sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross.

It came one day after the house narrowly voted in favor of the bill, 69-68.

Supporters said the bill would close a “dangerous loophole” that allows people who are prohibited from purchasing firearms to do so through private sales and at gun shows.

Opponents said universal background checks would unfairly burden law-abiding gun owners.

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