AUGUSTA — Firearms that are used in murder-suicides in Maine could be destroyed if a bill working its way through the Legislature is enacted.

The bill, which was approved Thursday by the House, was introduced at the request of Maine State Police. The sponsor, Democratic Rep. Joshua Plante of Berwick, says victims’ families support passage of the bill.  Plante says they want the closure of knowing that these guns have been destroyed.

Current law requires the destruction of firearms used in murders, but not when the perpetrators commit suicide. State police cannot dispose of these guns as they do when the murderers do not kill themselves.

The bill, which faces final votes, closes that loophole.
 


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