Legislative Report #14 - December 17, 2018

Greetings!

I am in the process of updating all of the 2A Maryland website files and links. This is a lengthy process as much of the information needed is not yet available.

The results of the 2018 Election were not to our favor and the resulting "Blue Wave" has emboldened those who have no respect for us as gun owners, and no understand of the Second Amendment. This is going to be a difficult legislative session.

Please encourage your friends and colleagues to join the 2A Maryland Legislative Email list in order to receive the latest updates and information as soon as they become available.

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to you and yours,

John H. Josselyn
2A Maryland

2019 Session Forecast
We know of at least five bills which are reportedly in the hands of the bill drafters in Annapolis. The details are still unknown; but essentially, they will deal with:

  • Ban of 3D printed firearms
  • Ban on 80% receivers or "Ghost Guns" and the media likes to refer to them
  • Increase in the spectrum of persons who can file a "Red Flag" petition
  • Reduction in the statute of limitations for certain firearm offenses
  • Credit card payment processing for handgun permit fees

We could spend a lot of time speculating and pontificating on the pros and cons of these bills. Let's wait until we really have some hard information and use what time we have to prepare for the 2019 Session by encouraging friends and colleagues to join this email list so they will be in the loop for accurate updates and information as it becomes available.
"Red Flag" Complaint Forms
The so-called "Red Flag" or "Extreme Risk Protection Order" law became effective on October 1, 2018. Since that time, there have been over 100 petitions filed. In approximately 60% of the petitions, the request to confiscate firearms was approved.

While the "Red Flag" advocates claim that at least one life has been saved, no supporting facts have been offered. What is clear is that one life was lost when Anne Arundel County Police attempted to serve a "Red Flag" order at 5:17 AM and the resident was holding a handgun when he opened the door. According to police, the resident refused to put the gun down.

Police often serve orders in the early morning hours because they perceive they have an advantage when dealing with a person who has just been awakened from a sound sleep and is not fully alert.

What gun owner in his or her right mind would answer an unexpected knock on his or her door in the wee hours of the morning and not be armed?

Baltimore's Gun Buyback Follies
Baltimore City Hall is once again proving that Einstein was correct when he opined that the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Mayor Pugh acknowledged that buybacks have not reduced crime but defended her effort because "something needs to be done."

Dates & Times:

  • Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Shake and Bake Fun Center,1601 Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 19 at the McElderry Park Community Center, 611 N. Montford Ave.
  • Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Perkins Square Baptist Church, 2500 Edmondson Ave.

From the Baltimore Police Department webpage: (bold text by 2A Maryland)

  • What weapons are being accepted?
  • Any firearm or hi-cap magazine.
  • There is no limit to the number of firearms that can be turned in.
  • Only two hi-cap magazines will be accepted per person.
  • Who is eligible to participate in the buyback program?
  • Baltimore residents.
  • No gun dealers or gun accessory dealers are eligible, private citizens only.
  • What are the payouts?
  • Hi-Cap magazines ------------------------------------ $25
  • Revolvers, pump, and bolt action weapons ------- $100
  • Semi-automatic weapons --------------------------- $200
  • Full-auto weapons ----------------------------------- $500
  • What is a Hi-Cap magazine?
  • Any rifle cartridge magazine over 10 rounds.
  • Any handgun cartridge magazine over 20 rounds.
  • How should the weapon be brought to the venue?
  • All weapons should be unloaded and transported with their receiver open.
  • Transport the weapons in a container such as a shoebox.
  • What if I don’t know how to unload my weapon?
  • Handle the weapon as little as possible.
  • Place the weapon in a safe container for transport such as a box.
  • Upon arrival at the venue, let a uniform officer know that the weapon may be loaded.
  • What happens if I change my mind?
  • Any weapon that enters the event will not be permitted to be removed.
  • If you no longer wish to receive payment for your weapon, it will be secured in BPDs Evidence Control Unit and can be retrieved via the standard retrieval process.
  • What will happen at the event
  • When you enter the venue, you will place the weapon within its container on a table at the entrance.
  • An officer will ensure that the weapon is safe and give you a voucher for the appropriate payout amount.
  • You will then await your turn for the payout table where you will be compensated for the weapon you turned in.
2019 Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland Board of Elections has finally certified and published the results of the 2018 Election results for the Maryland General Assembly. Committee information is still incomplete. The PDF file linked and shown below will be updated as accurate information becomes available.

2A Maryland Legislative Information Web Pages
W EB PAGE INFORMATION & REPORTS
PLEASE NOTE THAT BETWEEN DECEMBER 10th AND THE OPENING OF 2019 SESSION OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE WEBSITE WILL BE UNDERGOING REVISIONS AND UPDATES AS NEEDED TO REFLECT THE NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERSHIP, COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
John H. Josselyn
2A Maryland
2A Maryland © 2017-2018

The information contained on this website is the property of 2A Maryland and may not be copied or reproduced in full or in part without proper and full attribution to John H. Josselyn, Mt. Washington Rod & Gun Club and 2A Maryland.