ME LD1821

Requires the Department of Public Safety to establish minimum security standards for licensed firearm dealers beginning July 1, 2026, including certified alarm systems, site hardening, video surveillance with 2-year recording retention, and theft prevention measures

Mandates background checks on all dealer employees who handle firearms and requires annual training on recognizing straw purchases, preventing theft, suicide risk identification, and customer safety education

Requires dealers to maintain detailed records of all firearm transactions within one business day, retain ATF Form 4473 records for 20 years, conduct monthly inventory checks, and report thefts or losses within 48 hours

Establishes civil penalties of $100-$500 for first violations and $500-$1,000 for repeat violations within 5 years; falsifying compliance certifications is a Class C crime

Requires dealers and gun shows to post conspicuous signs about child endangerment laws, background check requirements, suicide prevention resources, and firearm safety course information