Today, the Maryland House of Representatives passed House Bill 159 on third reading by an 84-49 vote. HB 159 will now cross over to the Senate where it will await a committee referral. Please contact your state Senator and politely urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 159 when it comes up for a vote.
House Bill 159, sponsored by Delegate Ben Barnes, would ban the possession or carrying of firearms on college campuses. Those with wear and carry permits do not present a threat to public safety, as they are one of the most law-abiding segments of the population. Current law already allows each university to set its own policy regarding the carrying or possession of firearms. This legislation is a blanket prohibition that disallows schools from using discretion on their campus.
Not only does this legislation attempt to dictate the rules that universities must abide by, it also imposes extreme penalties, including fines, up to 3 years in prison, as well as the potential loss of your Second Amendment rights. A simple mistake in transiting a college campus could lead to the lifetime loss of a Constitutional right. Maryland citizens who are otherwise authorized to carry a firearm for self-defense will be prohibited from doing so and must make the choice between defending their lives and risking the loss of their firearms rights entirely in order to attend classes or events on campus.
Please click the “Take Action” button above to contact your state Senator and urge them to oppose House Bill 159.
More Like This From Around The NRA
