1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Certification" means the participation and assent of a chief law enforcement officer necessary under federal law for the approval of an application to transfer or make a firearm. [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] B. "Chief law enforcement officer" means an official or the official's designee who the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or successor agency identifies as eligible to provide certification. [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] C. "Firearm" has the same meaning as in the National Firearms Act, 26 United States Code, Section 5845(a). [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] 2. Chief law enforcement officer's certification. Within 15 days of receipt of an application for certification, the chief law enforcement officer shall provide the certification unless the chief law enforcement officer has information that prevents the chief law enforcement officer from providing the certification. A. If the chief law enforcement officer denies an application for certification under this section, the chief law enforcement officer shall provide the applicant with a written notification of the denial and the reason for the denial, which may not be based upon a generalized objection to a private person's possessing, making or transferring a firearm or to a certain type of firearm that is otherwise lawful. [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] B. The denial of an application for certification or a failure or refusal to provide a certification in accordance with this section by a chief law enforcement officer may be appealed by an applicant in the following manner: (1) If the chief law enforcement officer is employed by a state agency, the denial may be appealed pursuant to Title 5, section 11001 and the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80C; and (2) If the chief law enforcement officer is not employed by a state agency, the denial may be appealed pursuant to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80B. [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).] 3. Criminal history record check; search of premises. In making a certification required by subsection 2, a chief law enforcement officer may require the applicant to provide only such information as required by federal or state law to identify the applicant and conduct a criminal history record check or to determine the disposition of an arrest or proceeding relevant to the applicant's eligibility to lawfully possess or receive a firearm. A chief law enforcement officer may not require access to or consent for an inspection of any private premises as a condition of making a certification under this section. [PL 2015, c. 262, §3 (NEW).]
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