The Maryland General Assembly has scheduled this year’s legislative “Gun Day” sessions, where all firearm-related legislation will be considered in committee in both legislative chambers. The state Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold its Gun Day session on February 26, and the House Judiciary Committee will hold its on March 4. As of now, over fifty bills are set to be heard in the Senate and House committees. Your NRA-ILA is asking for your support, by marking your calendar with these important dates and by showing up in full force to support pro-gun legislation and to oppose anti-gun legislation.
Among the multitude of firearm-related legislation to be introduced, the bills most likely to be considered include:
House Bill 42, sponsored by anti-gun Delegate Jon Cardin (D-11), would remove the "eighth day transfer." It prohibits a licensed firearm dealer or other person from selling, renting or transferring a regulated firearm to a firearm applicant until the licensee or other person has received notice from the Secretary of State Police that the applicant's firearm application has been approved. If passed and enacted, HB 42 would enable an indefinite waiting period for firearm sales and transfers in Maryland.
House Bill 818, sponsored by Delegate Michael D. Smigiel (R-36), is the NRA-ILA’s solution to the concerns expressed by dealers and secondary sellers regarding “eighth day transfers.” It removes Maryland State Police from “middle man” status for NICS checks, and allows gun dealers to perform the NICS check immediately upon application for sale or transfer, just as they currently do for long gun sales.
House Bill 60, sponsored by Delegate Smigiel, seeks to repeal the “Firearm Safety Act of 2013” (SB 281). The most egregious attack on Second Amendment rights in Maryland history.
House Bill 94, sponsored by Delegate Sam Arora (D-19), bans the 3D printing of firearms and magazines.
House Bill 122, sponsored by Delegate Kevin Kelly (D-1B), clarifies the transport provisions of the “Firearm Safety Act of 2013” with regards to now-banned firearms.
House Bill 659, sponsored by Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R-7), clarifies the transport provisions for non-Maryland residents traveling through the state in possession of a handgun.
Members are strongly urged to attend both Gun Day sessions and respectfully voice SUPPORT of pro-gun legislation and OPPOSITION to anti-gun legislation. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is holding its Gun Day session on February 26, and the House Judiciary Committee’s session will be held on March 4.
Please continue to follow NRA-ILA alerts for more information on upcoming hearings and legislation.