‘Sec. 1. 15 MRSA §393, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. A, §5, is further amended to read:
2. Application after 5 years. A person subject to the provisions of subsection 1, paragraph A-1 or C as a result of a conviction or adjudication may, after the expiration of 5 years from the date that the person is finally discharged from the sentences imposed as a result of the conviction or adjudication, apply to the commissioner before January 1, 2018 for a permit to carry a firearm subject to subsection 4. A person subject to the provisions of subsection 1, paragraph A-1, subparagraphs (1) to (4) or paragraph C as a result of a conviction or adjudication may, after the expiration of 5 years from the date that the person is finally discharged from the sentences imposed as a result of the conviction or adjudication, apply to the commissioner on or after January 1, 2018 for a permit to carry a firearm subject to subsection 4. That person may not be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to Title 25, chapter 252. A permit issued pursuant to this subsection is valid for 4 years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked for cause by the commissioner. For purposes of this subsection, "firearm" does not include a firearm defined under 18 United States Code, Section 921(3).’