Senator Collins provides an update on the Military Crisis Intervention Bill

Maine (WABI) – October 25, 2024, marked one year since Lewiston mass shooting.

As the state continues to grieve, Senator Susan Collins introduced the Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act.

It comes in response to investigative reports into the shooting of an Army reservist.

In the immediate aftermath of the shootings, both Collins and Senator Angus King called for the Army’s inspector general to conduct an independent review to more fully understand what happened and what can be done to prevent future tragedies.

If passed, the legislation would require the U.S. military to use statewide crisis intervention laws, such as Maine’s yellow flag gun removal law, when a service member poses a serious threat to self or for others.

“Reporting to state, local and county law enforcement authorities would be required in such a case and would also require the service branch to fully participate in any court hearing that occurs as a result of sharing such information,” Collins said.

Collins says the bill, which is co-sponsored by King, is being offered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

She hopes to be picked up in December.