California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The brief supports Maine's three-day waiting period law for firearm purchases, which is currently challenged in Beckwith v. Frey. The coalition seeks to reverse a district court's preliminary injunction that halted enforcement of the law.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of waiting period laws, stating, "Reasonable waiting period laws for firearm purchases allow states to implement background checks and create a buffer between gun purchases and gun acquisition, which have been proven to help prevent senseless and impulsive acts of gun violence in our communities." He also highlighted California's commitment to passing and defending "commonsense, constitutional gun laws that save lives."
The brief argues that Maine's waiting period aligns with established practices aimed at regulating gun safety and preventing violence by ensuring responsible ownership. It compares Maine's approach to other states' measures, whether explicit waiting periods or functional equivalents through licensing and background checks. According to the states involved, immediate access to firearms can lead individuals to act on temporary emotions, increasing risks of suicide and homicide.
Joining Attorney General Bonta in this effort are attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
A copy of the brief is available for public access.