Ghost Gun Serialization Bill Passes Committee
Lawmakers advance proposal to crack down on unserialized, untraceable, and dangerous ghost guns; Proposal overwhelmingly popular with voters.
May 15, 2025
PORTLAND – Legislators on the Judiciary Committee have advanced a bill (LD 1126) to address ‘ghost guns’ by requiring the serialization of all completed firearms, tackling a growing issue that’s putting Maine communities and law enforcement at risk.
‘Ghost guns’ are unserialized and untraceable firearms that are either purchased as a kit or separate pieces by customers and assembled into fully functioning firearms at home, or guns printed at home by a 3D printer. Manufacturers of ghost guns knowingly sell these unserialized components, allowing purchasers to assemble a firearm at home without going through a background check or following any other state or federal laws around gun purchases.
“I think all of us can agree that there isn’t ever a good reason for a company to sell firearm components explicitly marketed as unserialized and untraceable so dangerous criminals can avoid a background check,” said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. “I applaud legislators on the Judiciary Committee who listened to concerns from advocates and law enforcement on the dangers of unserialized and untraceable ‘ghost guns,’ and urge the full legislature to pass this common-sense policy to reduce crime, crack down on untraceable guns on our streets, and help keep our communities safe.”
Between 2016 and 2021, the number of ghost guns recovered by law enforcement agencies nationwide increased by more than 1,000 percent. Maine is not immune to this new trend. In 2022, a 16-year-old Mainer who otherwise would not have been able to purchase a handgun was able to order parts online anonymously and assemble a gun which he then used to shoot and kill someone.
“The serialization of firearms is critical for public safety and the safety of all law enforcement officers in the State of Maine,” said Chief John Kilbride of the Falmouth Police Department in testimony submitted to the Judiciary Committee. “Firearms without serial numbers will create a vacuum and distribution networks for individuals seeking firearms with ill will or criminal intent not only in Maine but furnishing across the country.”
Polling conducted in April shows that an overwhelming majority of Maine voters support restricting unserialized and untraceable ghost guns. According to the polling, 73% of Maine voters approve of restricting ghost guns. Support for restricting unserialized ghost guns includes a majority of Democrats (85%), Republicans (60%), and Independents (71%). More than two-thirds of gun owners who responded that they keep firearms in the home also support restricting unserialized ghost guns. Additionally, voters in every region of the state support the proposal.
LD 1126 would not prohibit firearm enthusiasts from purchase or assembly of gun parts. It would assist law enforcement in tracing crime by simply requiring the serialization of all firearms – including those from completed kits or 3D printing – so that these firearms can be traced if used to commit a gun crime.
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About Maine Gun Safety Coalition
The Maine Gun Safety Coalition is a nonprofit coalition of gun responsibility advocates, health care and mental health professionals, faith leaders, teachers, gun owners, veterans groups, and other advocates dedicated to reducing gun violence and saving lives. MGSC believes in an evidence-based approach to gun violence prevention and advocates for common sense policies at the state and federal levels that make our communities, schools, and families safer.
