AUGUSTA (AP) — Some Maine lawmakers are trying to revive an effort to ban bump stocks in the state, but others say moves at the federal level may make it unnecessary.
President Donald Trump has directed the Justice Department to work toward a nationwide ban on the devices, which allow semi-automatic weapons to mimic machine guns.
Democratic state Rep. Scott Hamann told the Bangor Daily News on Wednesday that he might withdraw his own proposed ban if Washington renders it unneeded, but he was not yet prepared to do so.
Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon says the Legislature should take up Hamann’s proposal, which has been tabled by the Legislative Council.
Republican leaders in the state Senate say they want to monitor federal action before doing anything at the state level.
In this Oct. 4, 2017, file photo, shooting instructor Frankie McRae demonstrates the grip on an AR-15 rifle fitted with a bump stock at his 37 PSR Gun Club in Bunnlevel, N.C. Some states and cities are taking the lead on banning bump stocks as efforts stall in Washington. The controversial device was used in the Las Vegas shooting, allowing a semi-automatic rifle to mimic a fully automatic firearm. Gun-control advocates say the push fits a pattern in gun politics: inaction in Washington that forces states to take charge. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed, File)
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