Whereas, violence and drugs take a toll on the citizens of the State, particularly women and children; and

Whereas, the use and possession of firearms greatly aggravate violent and drug-related criminal activity; and

Whereas, the Federal Government is offering states grants to combat the use of firearms in violent and drug-related criminal activity; and

Whereas, these grants can not be received to help protect the citizens of the State from criminal activity involving firearms until the provisions of this legislation are implemented; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §2, sub-5-C is enacted to read:

5-C.__Crime of violence.__"Crime of violence" means a crime that involves damage or destruction of property, offensive physical contact or bodily injury or the threat of damage or destruction of property, offensive physical contact or bodily injury.

Sec. 2. 17-A MRSA §§1058 and 1059 are enacted to read:

§1058.__Criminal possession of firearm

1.__A person is guilty of criminal possession of a firearm if:

A.__The person has been convicted of a crime of violence; and

B.__Is in possession of a firearm.

2.__Notwithstanding any other provision of this Title, a person convicted under this section must be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 5 years and may not be placed on probation.