Lawmakers Split on Bill to Allow Guns in Section 8 Housing

Lawmakers are split on a bill that would prevent landlords who accept federal Section 8 rent subsidies from banning guns in their apartments.

Opponents say they are concerned that landlords would have to sacrifice their property rights to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of their Section 8 tenants.

The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday voted 4-4 on whether to endorse the bill after it was amended to allow landlords who live in buildings with four apartments or fewer to continue to ban guns. Five committee members were absent.

The Lewiston Sun Journal reports that the committee's final recommendation won't be known until Thursday when absent committee members vote. (AP)