Maine firearm dealers could be forced to hand out “public health brochures” with their firearms thanks to a bill from Rep. Holly Stover (D-Boothbay) proposed at the start of this month aimed at imposing public health warnings on gunsmiths and dealers.

Rep. Stover’s LD 1379 drew support from eight Democratic co-sponsors and is set to be considered in the Judiciary Committee, though no date has been set for a public hearing or work session.

Under the proposal, all firearms dealers and gunsmiths would need to prominently display a public health warning sign on the business premises and issue a public health brochure to customers, explaining that firearms are dangerous.

“WARNING: Firearms pose a significant risk to public health and safety. Access to a firearm in the home increases the risk of suicide, domestic violence fatalities and unintentional deaths, particularly among children. Keep firearms locked and unloaded when not in use. For help, contact the Maine Crisis Line at [phone number],” reads the warning.

The brochure included with firearm purchases must also contain additional information on firearm safety, safe storage practices, and domestic violence and suicide prevention.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for developing and distributing the signs and brochures, as well as enforcing compliance.

Under the legislation, the first violation of failing to distribute the brochures would result in a written warning, with subsequent offenses incurring a maximum fine of $500.

If the bill passes, it seems exceedingly unlikely that it will in any way cut down on gun violence, given that the majority of gun buyers are already aware that the deadly weapons they are purchasing are, in fact, deadly.