Whereas, current law does not proscribe possession of firearms in courthouses; and

Whereas, potentially inflammatory and controversial matters are resolved in courthouses; and

Whereas, it is necessary to provide for the safety of citizens who come to Maine's courthouses seeking justice and those who work therein; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §1058 is enacted to read:

§1058.__Possession of firearm in courthouse

1.__A person may not possess a firearm in a courthouse.

2.__This section does not apply to a person who is a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity.

3.__A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class D crime.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill makes it a crime for an individual who is not a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity to possess a firearm in a courthouse.