The newly-formed commission investigating the tragic mass shootings in Lewiston may face a challenging road ahead, as some lawmakers have expressed concerns about granting the commission subpoena powers.
Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, has stated that it will be difficult to gain support from his caucus without a clear role for the legislative branch in the investigation process. Stewart emphasized the importance of involving the legislative branch in the commission’s activities.
These concerns arose in response to a request made by the Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston, urging the Legislature to grant them subpoena powers to enable a thorough investigation of the Oct. 25 mass shooting that claimed 18 lives. Governor Janet Mills has expressed her support for the request and is actively working on legislation for lawmakers to consider at the beginning of the upcoming session in January.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature would need a bipartisan vote of two-thirds for emergency legislation that would grant the commission subpoena powers. While Democratic leaders have generally expressed support for the request, Senate Minority Leader Lisa Keim, R-Dixfield, and Stewart have voiced their reservations.
Keim expressed hesitancy, highlighting the absence of legislators on the commission and emphasizing the need for the people’s voice to be integrated into the investigative review process. Stewart echoed similar sentiments, asserting that lawmakers have not been sufficiently involved in the commission’s activities.
Both legislators emphasized the importance of transparency and meaningful involvement from the Legislature in the commission’s work. They suggested alternative avenues through which lawmakers could contribute to the investigation, such as the Government Oversight Committee, which already possesses special subpoena power.
Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for Governor Mills emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the commission and its dedication to seeking the truth about the tragedy in Lewiston. The spokesperson underscored the importance of lawmakers aiding the commission in its impartial and timely pursuit of answers for the people of Maine.
The commission’s need for subpoena power was further emphasized by a spokesperson, who indicated that cooperation is preferred but necessary, and that certain circumstances may impede the investigation without the authority to issue subpoenas.
While some Democrats have expressed general support for the request, others have indicated the need to review the specifics of the request before providing full endorsement. Meanwhile, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross has expressed her backing for granting the commission subpoena powers to conduct a transparent and comprehensive review.
While opinions on the request are divided along party lines, the urgency of providing the commission with the necessary tools to carry out its critical mission is evident. Some lawmakers stress the importance of promptly facilitating the investigation to provide closure for the affected families in Lewiston and surrounding areas.
Ultimately, the commission’s request for subpoena powers will continue to be a topic of discussion, with various perspectives and considerations shaping the path forward for the investigation. It remains to be seen how the Legislature will respond to the commission’s plea for enhanced investigative authority.
