Today, the Maryland General Assembly convened for its 2018 Legislative Session and multiple gun bills have already been scheduled for a hearing. On Wednesday, January 17, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will consider pro-gun Senate Bills 99 and 27, and anti-gun Senate Bill 74. Please contact members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and urge them to support SB 99 and SB 27, and to oppose SB 74.
Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Wayne Norman, seeks to clarify that personal protection or self-defense should qualify as a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for purposes of the issuance by the Secretary of State Police of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.
Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Senator Michael Hough, allows an applicant to obtain preliminary approval for a wear and carry permit before obtaining the required training. This will allow 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.
Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Senator Victor Ramirez, would make it a crime to knowingly possess a firearm accessory or any other device, part or combination of parts that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm. The broad and overreaching provisions in SB 74 could potentially criminalize firearm modifications such as competition triggers, muzzle brakes, and ergonomic changes that are commonly done by law-abiding gun owners to make their firearms more suitable for self-defense, competition, hunting, or even overcoming disability.
Again, please contact members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and urge them to support SB 99 and SB 27, and to oppose SB 74.