Maryland lawmakers are considering several proposals that would limit gun ownership and possession.
The Gun Safety Act of 2023 would those forbid those with concealed-carry permits to take their firearms within 100 feet of any public place unless they have the owner’s permission. Public places would include “schools, hospitals, libraries, synagogues, churches, mosques, parks, and restaurants.” Basically, anywhere the public is gathering.
About 114,000 Marylanders can wear and carry a firearm in public.
A gun rights group, Maryland Shall Issue, opposes the measure. The organization declared the bill “dead on arrival” and said in a statement that similar legislation has been struck down by federal courts in New York and New Jersey.
Republican lawmakers also oppose the measure.
Gov. Larry Hogan lifted Maryland’s restrictions on wearing and carrying a firearm last year following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Raise the Age Act of 2023 would increase the minimum age for owning a rifle or shotgun in Maryland to 21. The lawmakers who introduced the bill noted that recent several mass shootings in other parts of the country were committed by young men with long guns.
The Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2023 would allow the victims of gun violence or surviving family members to file civil lawsuits against gun makers and those who sell ghost-gun kits.
House Bill 3 would require gun owners who are subject to final protective orders to surrender their weapons. Law enforcement would have to report this action to the Maryland State Police, which would maintain a database to determine how often this actually happens.
Last year, former governor Larry Hogan allowed a “ghost gun” bill to become law without his signature. The legislation banned the purchase of firearms that lack serial numbers starting June 2022. Ownership of such a weapon will be banned beginning March 1, 2023.
Hogan said the bill “does nothing to penalize those who actually pull the triggers on firearms and deflects away from the need to take decisive action to hold violent criminals accountable.”
Democratic lawmakers have declared ghost guns to be a “rapidly growing threat to the public” and have noted that gun kits are available from the Internet. 3D printing allows people to make their own guns. These ghost guns lack the traceable serial numbers of other firearms.
Possession of a ghost gun is a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
Selling or transferring a ghost gun is a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years imprisonment or a $10,000 fine.
If you are facing charges over gun control and possession, an Ocean City gun charges lawyer can help. The attorneys at Maronick Law LLC have experience with Annapolis, Baltimore, Essex, Ocean City, Towson, White Marsh gun matters.
Maronick Law LLC is open during the pandemic and continues to meet your legal needs. We can meet with you remotely if you have access to Zoom. You can contact the law office at 410-402-5571 or via our website for a free consultation.