Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §1058 is enacted to read:

§1058.__Possession of electronic weapon

1.__A person is guilty of possession of an electronic weapon if the person possesses an electronic weapon.__Possession of an electronic weapon is a Class D crime.

2.__As used in this section, "electronic weapon" means a portable device or weapon from which an electrical current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to cause bodily injury or serious bodily injury to a person.

3.__This section does not apply to possession of an electronic weapon by:

A.__A law enforcement officer or corrections officer in the discharge of the officer's official duties if the officer's appointing authority has authorized the possession and use of the electronic weapon; or

B.__A supplier of electronic weapons if possession of the electronic weapon is necessary to the supply or sale of the device or weapon.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the possession of an electronic weapon designed to incapacitate, injure or kill a person, except by a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or a supplier of electronic weapons to law enforcement organizations.