Maryland: House Judiciary Hearing Pro-Gun Bills

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee will hear four pro-gun bills that can improve Maryland’s self-defense rights for the benefit of law-abiding citizens. Please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT House Bills 871, 1132, 1174, and 1206.

House Bill 871, sponsored by Delegate Sid Saab (R-33), allows an applicant to obtain preliminary approval for a Wear & Carry permit before obtaining the required training. This allows individuals to know whether or not they can obtain a permit prior to spending time and money on the required training, only to be arbitrarily denied.

House Bill 1132, sponsored by Delegate Wendell Beitzel (R-1A), makes it a felony under Maryland law to steal a firearm, punishable by imprisonment up to five years for the first offense and ten years for the second offense. Current Maryland law does not specifically criminalize stealing firearms. This will give prosecutors an additional tool to hold criminals accountable for their actions and will hopefully help bring Maryland’s crime problem under control.

House Bill 1174, sponsored by Delegate Nic Kipke (R-31B), clarifies that personal protection and self-defense are “good and substantial” reasons for state police to issue Wear & Carry permits. This recognizes that ordinary Marylanders have the right-to-carry a handgun in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

House Bill 1206, sponsored by Delegate Robin Grammer (R-6), allows any law-abiding adult aged 21 years and older to carry a handgun without first having to obtain government permission. This ensures that citizens have their right to self-defense without government red tape, delays, or cost barriers. It does not affect previously issued carry permits, and allows citizens who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in other states recognizing Maryland permits, to do so. Currently, 21 states already have similar laws in place, and a number of other states are considering bills to join that list.

Again, please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT House Bills 871, 1132, 1174, and 1206.