Everytown, Maine Moms Demand Action, Applaud Enactment of Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Secure Storage Equipment

The Maine chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released a statement today applauding the enactment of a bill that will create a tax exemption on purchases of secure storage devices. The bill, LD 1140, eliminates the state sales tax on devices used to securely store firearms, including gun safes, lockboxes, and trigger and barrel locks. This equipment is essential in reducing the risk of unintentional shootings and suicides, preventing unauthorized access to firearms, and promoting responsible gun ownership in the state. Having previously passed through the Maine State Legislature, the bill was signed into law by Governor Janet Mills. 

“Incentivizing the acquisition of devices that help ensure the secure storage of guns will go a long way in preventing tragic instances of gun violence in our state,” said Sue Repko, a volunteer with the Maine chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank the Gun Safety Caucus in the Maine State Legislature for their tireless work on this important issue, and are happy to see Governor Mills commit to promoting gun safety by signing this bill.”

Last month, the Maine legislature also passed another secure storage measure, LD 759, which amends Maine’s child endangerment law, making it illegal to negligently store a loaded unsecured firearm in one’s home (or other premises under their control) if a child accesses and uses or discharges the weapon. That bill was enacted into law without Governor Mills’ signature.