An Act To Prohibit Possession of a Replica or Simulated Firearm on or near School Property
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §6555 is enacted to read:
§ 6555. Replica or simulated firearms
1. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "replica or simulated firearm" means an object that:
A. Is similar in size, color and general appearance to a firearm;
B. Is or is not capable of expelling a projectile; and
C. A reasonable person would believe is a firearm.
2. Prohibition. A person may not possess a replica or simulated firearm on public school property or the property of an approved private school or within 500 feet of public school property or the property of an approved private school.
3. Exception. The prohibition on possession of a replica or simulated firearm under subsection 2 does not apply to a person possessing a replica or simulated firearm as part of a school-sanctioned program if the program is authorized by a written policy adopted by the school's governing body.
4. Penalty. A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class E crime.
summary
This bill prohibits the possession of a replica or simulated firearm on or near public or private school property and makes a violation of the law a Class E crime.