AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed today an emergency bill, which takes effect immediately, to temporarily block the release of concealed firearms permit holders’ names, addresses and dates of birth to the public. The Governor submitted the legislation Friday in response to information requests received by law enforcement agencies across the state.

The bipartisan sponsored bill, L.D. 576 "Resolve, To Protect Concealed Handgun Permit Information on a Temporary Basis", was passed by the Legislature Tuesday and will provide immediate protection for law-abiding concealed firearms permit holders while providing the Legislature time to properly consider Representative Corey Wilson’s bill (LD 345), which would make this information permanently private.

“I applaud the Legislature for expediting this matter,” said Governor LePage. “Now the debate can continue in the Legislature based on the merits of the bill while ensuring safety for all Mainers."