To the editor:
Please call your state representative and ask them to co-sponsor and vote for LD 868, a bill that will recognize a concealed handgun permit issued to a person by that person’s state of residence if that person’s state of residence honors a permit to carry a concealed handgun issued under Maine law.
This change to the current law will mean that Maine residents traveling to other states for the winter will be able to carry their concealed handgun in that state if that state recognizes our permit. It does not in any way change the current requirements to acquire a concealed handgun permit in Maine.
The key is that we allow residents of that state to carry their handgun in Maine if they have met all the requirements in their own state such as Florida. If the state of residence of a person carrying a concealed weapon and who has a permit from their own state but that state does not recognize the Maine permit, then their permit will not be valid in Maine.
Currently we have driver’s licenses that are recognized in every state in the union and we recognize all other states’ driver’s licenses. This bill would grant the same recognition for the carrying of concealed handguns if the other state recognizes our Maine permit.
If you agree with this position, please contact your state legislator and ask them to support LD 868, an act pertaining to reciprocity for concealed handgun permits.
Neal A. Williams
Greenville
