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An Act To Strengthen the Authority of Concealed Weapons Permits and Define the Term "Crossbow" in Maine Law
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 15 MRSA §393, sub-§2,  as amended by PL 2005, c. 419, §9 and affected by §12, is further amended to read:
 
2. Application after 5 years.   A person subject to the provisions of subsection 1 may, after the expiration of 5 years from the date that the person is finally discharged from the sentences imposed as a result of the conviction or adjudication, apply to the Commissioner of Public Safety for a permit to carry a firearm or crossbow. That person may not be issued a permit to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to Title 25, chapter 252. A permit issued pursuant to this subsection is valid for 4 years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked for cause by the issuing authority.
Sec. 2. 15 MRSA §393, sub-§7, ¶A-1  is enacted to read:
 
A-1.  "Crossbow" means a mechanical device equipped with a working safety that propels an arrow or bolt, consists of, but is not limited to, strings, cables and prods, is transversely mounted on either a shoulder or handheld stock that is at least 25 inches in length and is mechanically held at full or partial draw and released by a trigger or similar mechanism that is incorporated into the stock or by hand.
Sec. 3. 25 MRSA §2003, sub-§1, ¶B,  as repealed and replaced by PL 2003, c. 341, §3, is amended to read:
 
B.  Is not disqualified to possess a firearm pursuant to Title 15, section 393 and, is not disqualified as a permit holder under that same section and is not disqualified to possess a firearm under federal law.
 
SUMMARY
This bill:
1. Provides that a person may not be issued a concealed weapons permit if the person is disqualified from having a firearm under state or federal law;
2. Places an expiration term on permits issued pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 15, section 393, subsection 2; and
3. Provides a definition for "crossbow," a term currently not defined in Maine law, for law enforcement purposes.