More Federal News

US Supreme Court Cases: June 2024

Court Overturns Prohibition on Bump Stocks

Garland v. Cargill: On June 14, 2024, the Court struck down a federal prohibition on bump stock rapid-fire devices. These devices were prohibited by the Tump administration after the massacre in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in US history. Read about the decision here.

Governor Mills vetoed the bump stock prohibition that was passed by the Maine Legislature this spring, one of MGSC’s 4 priorities. After this decision overturning the federal prohibition, bump stocks can now be bought, sold and used in Maine, under both state and federal law. 15 states and the District of Columbia prohibit bump stocks. Maine must prohibit firearm accessories whose only purpose is to make a firearm more deadly.

               Maine needs to prohibit bump stocks now more than ever.

Court Upholds Prohibition on Possession of a Firearm by Those Deemed Dangerous

United States v. Rahimi: On June 21, 2024 the Court held that the Second Amendment does not guarantee an alleged domestic abuser’s right to possession of a firearm. This is the most significant Second Amendment decision since New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen in which the court upheld an individual ‘s right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense, finding that a gun regulation is only constitutional if a similar principle existed in early American history. In Rahimi however the Court appears to limit Bruen by holding that a person can be temporarily disarmed consistent with the Second Amendment if they pose a credible threat to another as determined by a court. This decision could have significant implications for the constitutionality of backgrounds checks and red flag laws. Read more about the decision here.