An Act To Allow Municipally Funded Hospitals To Prohibit the Presence of Firearms on Their Property

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  accidents and violence related to firearms are pervasive throughout our society; and

Whereas,  certain places that serve the public, such as hospitals, have an interest in restricting the use and possession of firearms in the interest of public safety; and

Whereas,  expediency in enacting restrictions on firearm use and possession on hospital property can better ensure that a tragic accident or act of violence does not occur; 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,

Sec. 1. 25 MRSA §2011, sub-§3,  as enacted by PL 1989, c. 359, is amended to read:

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

SUMMARY

This bill allows a municipally funded hospital to restrict the possession or use of firearms and firearms-related items on property used by the municipally funded hospital.