Maine Governor Janet Mills has recently taken significant actions on various issues affecting the state. She signed new gun safety laws following the tragic Lewiston mass shooting and established a task force to study artificial intelligence. She also reached a settlement to improve behavioral health services for children with disabilities and addressed tribal relations through legislative decisions. Additionally, Governor Mills launched an independent investigation into the Lewiston shooting, updated the state’s climate action plan, and allocated $7 million in grants to support technology companies. These initiatives reflect her commitment to public safety, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Maine.
Strengthening Gun Laws and Mental Health Support
In response to the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston on October 25, 2023, where 18 lives were lost and 13 individuals were injured, Governor Janet Mills has enacted comprehensive gun safety legislation. The new laws mandate background checks for private firearm sales advertised online, enhance the state’s “yellow flag” law to facilitate the removal of firearms from individuals in mental health crises, criminalize the transfer of guns to prohibited persons, and expand mental health crisis care services. Governor Mills emphasized that these measures aim to bolster public safety while respecting Maine’s traditions of gun ownership.
Establishing a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence
Recognizing the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors, Governor Mills signed an executive order on December 20, 2024, to create a duty force dedicated to examining AI’s opportunities and implications for Maine’s residents, economy, and institutions. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to understanding and integrating emerging technologies responsibly.
Enhancing Services for Children with Disabilities
On November 26, 2024, Governor Mills announced a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at improving community-based behavioral health services for children with disabilities. This agreement addresses concerns about the unnecessary institutionalization of children and underscores Maine’s dedication to providing supportive, community-centered care, allowing children to remain with their families or in foster homes.
Addressing Tribal Relations and Legislation
Governor Mills has engaged in legislative actions concerning Maine’s Native American tribes. Notably, she vetoed a bill intended to grant the Wabanaki Nations the ability to benefit from federal laws applicable to other federally recognized tribes. While expressing a desire for fair treatment of the tribes, Governor Mills cited potential legal conflicts and unintended consequences as reasons for her veto. This decision highlights the complex dynamics of state-tribal relations in Maine.
Initiating an Investigation into the Lewiston Tragedy
Following the devastating events in Lewiston, Governor Mills established an independent commission to investigate the circumstances leading up to the mass shooting and the subsequent police response. The commission’s final report identified multiple missed opportunities by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Army Reserve to prevent the busking. Governor Mills described the incident as a “colossal failure of human judgment” and has proposed measures to prevent similar events in the future, including enhancing mental health resources and law enforcement capabilities.
Climate Action and Community Resilience
Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability, Governor Mills announced the release of the updated “Maine Won’t Wait” climate action plan on November 21, 2024. The plan outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , strengthen community resilience against climate change impacts, and promote economic growth through sustainable practices. Additionally, 200 Maine communities have enrolled in the society Resilience Partnership, reflecting widespread local engagement in climate initiatives.
Economic Development and Support for Technology Companies
On November 13, 2024, Governor Mills announced $7 million in grant awards from the Maine Jobs & Recovery
Plan to support technology companies across the state. This funding, part of the Pandemic Recovery for an Innovative
Maine Economy (PRIME) program, aims to foster job production and strengthen Maine’s innovation economy, ensuring a
robust recovery from the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through these diverse initiatives,
Governor Janet Mills continues to address critical issues affecting Maine, from public safety and health to technological
advancement and environmental stewardship.