ME LD1378

Establishes extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) allowing family/household members or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily prohibit individuals from purchasing, possessing, or controlling dangerous weapons, including firearms

Emergency ERPOs can be issued ex parte for up to 14 days when immediate danger exists; standard ERPOs last up to one year and require a hearing within 14 days of the petition filing

Respondents must immediately relinquish dangerous weapons to law enforcement upon service; weapons are stored at law enforcement facilities and returned within 3 business days after order expiration following a background check

Violating an ERPO is a Class D crime; submitting materially false information to obtain or oppose an order is a Class C crime; respondents have the right to counsel and may request early termination once per order period

Requires annual reporting to the Legislature on petition numbers, orders issued/denied, renewals, terminations, and demographic data, with first report due January 1, 2027