There is a common belief that the National Rifle Association opposes all gun control laws, however “reasonable” the proposed laws may be. This belief is incorrect, as shown by the passage in the Maine Legislature of a bill which would penalize those who transfer firearms to juveniles without the permission of that juvenile’s parent or legal guardian.

The bill was prompted by the tragic death in Auburn of a teenage girl who was shot accidentally by another teen who had been sold a defective handgun by an adult. The girl’s father, Dana Papworth, asked the NRA to support the legislation.

The NRA sent its liaison for the state of Maine, Scott Riehl, to Augusta to review the proposed law. Riehl found some problems with the bill and testified on how it could be made both tougher and constitutional. The committee hearing his testimony reworked the legislation and now the revised, tougher bill, which has the full support of the NRA, awaits the signature of Gov. King.

The NRA does oppose gun control laws which target law-abiding gun owners. It does and will always support legislation which goes after the criminal and the irresponsible. Scott Baxter Brewer