Contact:
Krysta West
Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
krysta.west@legislature.maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA– State Senator Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin) today introduced legislation to allow qualified teachers to carry concealed firearms in schools.

The “Defend Our Schools” Act would give local districts an option to enact policies that allow school employees who receive training in firearms proficiency and crisis intervention to carry a concealed handgun on school campuses across Maine. Participants would be required to complete periodic re-certifications to keep their skills fresh and knowledge current.

“Faced with repeated, horrible, senseless violence, we must act to help protect our children,” said Senator Brakey. “Giving teachers the option to train and carry firearms will provide a critical last line of defense to save lives and prevent tragedy in Maine like we have seen in other states.”

“We can defend our schools AND our Constitution. The ‘Defend Our Schools’ Act is a great first step to protecting our kids as well as we protect our politicians.”

Senator Brakey has been an outspoken champion for Gun Rights. In 2015, Brakey was the lead bill sponsor for Constitutional Carry, which passed the Maine Legislature and was signed into law.

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