Sec. 1. 25 MRSA §2001, sub-§6, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 917, §6, is amended to read:

6. Licensed hunters and trappers. Firearms carried by any person engaged in conduct for which a state-issued hunting or trapping license is required and possessing the required license, or firearms carried by a resident person engaged in conduct expressly authorized by Title 12, section 7377, subsections 1 and 2. This subsection does not authorize or permit the carrying of a concealed or loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.

SUMMARY

Current law exempts licensed or otherwise authorized hunters and trappers carrying firearms from the prohibition against carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, with one exception. The exception states that such a hunter or trapper may not carry a concealed or loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. This bill removes the exception for loaded firearms, making it permissible for a licensed or otherwise authorized hunter or trapper to carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle without a concealed weapons permit.