AUGUSTA (AP) — A bill designed to encourage background checks for gun sales failed when the Democratic- controlled House on Wednesday voted to sustain Republican Gov. LePage’s veto.
Under the bill, background checks would have been voluntary. But sellers would get a $500 civil fine if they don’t do a background check and it’s determined the person to which they sold the gun is banned from buying guns.
LePage said the bill doesn’t address the real issues surrounding gun violence.
Rep. Mark Dion, a DPortland says he will continue to encourage mandated background checks.
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