A New Maine Law Aims to Improve Gun and Prescription Drug Safety

A new law that took effect in early August aims to improve the safe storage of guns and prescription drugs in Maine homes.

What is the Safe Homes Program?

The Safe Homes Program is the brainchild of Representative Richard Pickett of Dixfield and Senator Susan Deschambault of Biddeford, who hope to educate residents about the importance of keeping guns and prescription drugs out of the hands of people who could be harmed or do harm to others. In addition, the program will make storage devices more affordable. Representative Pickett says this is a safety matter for the community, as a whole.

As a member of law enforcement for over 40 years, I have seen many cases where both the mishandling of weapons and/or prescription drugs has caused great tragedy to so many.

Deschambault says the new law will make Maine homes and families safer.

Is This Really a Big Issue in Maine?

Maine has the second highest firearm mortality rate in New England. In 2020, there were 154 gun deaths, 132 of which were suicides.

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Prescription drugs have also become a deadly issue in the state. In 2021 there were more than 8,000 overdoses in Maine. 636 were drug deaths, which represents a 20% increase over the number of Mainers who died from overdoses in 2020.

How Will The Program Help Residents Make Their Homes Safer?

Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck says the safety of friends and family is of the utmost importance. Last year, the legislature created a sales tax exemption for devices specifically designed to secure firearms. Now, the Safe Homes Program is also providing grants for purchasing those safety devices, including for the storage of prescription drugs.

We believe that a program like Safe Homes can provide the comprehensive educational space to make our loved ones safer from prescription medications and dangerous weapons.

Governor Mills has also declared September Safe Homes Awareness Month.