The Maine Senate yesterday gave initial approval to a measure that would allow those with concealed weapons permits to carry loaded guns in Acadia National Park.
LD 1737 was drafted in response to a recent federal law that lifted a long-standing ban on firearms in national parks. The measure authorized states to craft their own gun regulations for national parks within their boundaries.
The bill was originally introduced as a measure that would have maintained the firearms ban at all of Maine's national parks, which also include the St. Croix Island International Historic Site and portions of the Appalachian Trail that run through the state. But that measure failed by a vote of 14 to 20, according to the Bangor Daily News.
But the new version that was approved applies only to Acadia and allows those with concealed weapons permits, as well as off-duty police and retired law enforcement officers to carry loaded weapons in most areas of the park, the paper reports.
The bill faces more votes in the Senate and the House.