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.
