On Wednesday, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will consider Senate Bill 664, which purports to amend the Maryland Constitution to make clear that Marylanders have “right to privacy” that includes “freedom from government intrusion.” However, the proposed amendment has a glaring defect.
Senate Bill 664 treats one group of Marylanders - gun owners - as if they do not have this right. The proposed amendment states, “the right to privacy does not prohibit the state from regulating the sale or purchase of a firearm or ammunition.” No other conduct, let alone exercise of a Constitutional right, is explicitly excluded from the proposed amendment’s protection. The language of this amendment positions the Second Amendment right as a second-class right.
Maryland is already an outlier when it comes to the state constitution and the right to keep and bear arms. Forty-four states have a provision of their state constitution that protects the right to keep and bear arms. Maryland is one of only six jurisdictions that does not protect the rights of its residents in this manner.
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The following day, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will consider Senate Bill 1050, cross-file of gun owner victimization legislation, HB 591.
Senate Bill 1050 / House Bill 591 victimizes gun owners who fail to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 72 hours of discovering them missing. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
Across the country we have seen a concerted effort to denigrate the Second Amendment, and your lawmakers need to hear from you NOW! It is important that you contact members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 664 and Senate Bill 1050.
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