Legislative Report #04 - January 14, 2023

Charles County Victory

2023 Session Begins with Virtual Gun Bans

Dear John,

The 2023 Session opened with a flurry of pre-filed gun control bills. Montgomery County Senators Waldstreicher (D-18) and Lee (D-16) were responsible for most of the bills. In an interview on WBAL, Senator Waldstreicher claimed that his bill to ban the possession of rifles and shotguns by persons 18-21 years of age would prevent mass shootings. The sad part is that he probably believes it despite the harsh reality of evidence to the contrary.


As of this writing, no hearings have been scheduled. The Senate JPR Committee has published the 2023 Witness Committee Guideline (see link below). Witness sign-up and testimony submittal will be online from 8 AM - 3 PM the day before the hearing. Testimony in person is being encouraged and up to 14 persons may provide virtual testimony. As usually happens, the House JUD committee guidelines are lagging behind and are not expected to be published until next week.


In a side note, Governor Moore has appointed Senator Lee to serve as Secretary of State. If Lee accepts the appointment, she will be forced to resign from the Senate. Reportedly, she must decide no later than January 18th.


In this report:

  • Victory in Charles County - Bill 2022-14 dies during hearing
  • Senate and House gun ban bills filed to date - synopses
  • Links to hearing schedules and bill synopses in PDF and links to website versions
  • 2023 Session Hearing protocols

John H. Josselyn

2A Maryland

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Charles County Gun Ban in Government Buildings - Victory!


“When I feel the heat, I see the light.”

Everett Dirksen, Former Minority Leader of the United States Senate

Charles County Council members certainly felt the heat brought forth by citizens during the hearing on January 11th for Bill 2022-14. It was gratifying to see so many citizens who had attended 2A Maryland's pre-hearing Zoom planning meeting, also attended the hearing and testified against the Bill.


After only about a dozen citizens offered testimony in opposition to Bill 2022-14, Councilman Bowling interrupted the person testifying, announced he did not wish to waste more time and offered a motion to table the Bill. The County attorney was then asked to clarify what a motion to "table" really entails. It was explained that a motion to "table" was simply a delay. The Councilman immediately withdrew his motion to table in favor of a motion to withdraw the Bill. His motion to withdraw was seconded and with no further discussion, the Council voted to withdraw the bill with no votes opposing the motion.


Our sincere thanks to the pro 2A Patriots of Charles County!

2023 Session Opens With a Salvo of Gun Ban Legislation

SENATE GUN BILLS

 

SB0001

Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms - Restrictions (Gun Safety Act of 2023)

Prohibiting the possession of a firearm on any private property without the property owner's express permission either to the person or to the public generally. Prohibiting the possession of a firearm within 100 feet of a place of public accommodation (hotel, restaurant, bar, movie theatre, etc.). Penalty on conviction is imprisonment for a period not exceeding 1 year. There is no provision for a fine as an alternative to prison time. OPPOSE

 

SB0060

Public Safety - Handgun Permit - Preliminary Approval

Streamlining the application process to enable an applicant to apply for preliminary approval of a permit application without having to first complete the required training course. Providing a certain time period to complete the necessary training course after receiving preliminary approval. Essentially a revision of the sequence of events. In the post Bruen era, this bill serves no purpose. No Position

 

SB0086

Rifles and Shotguns – Possession – Age Requirement (Raise the Age Act of 2023)

Prohibiting the sale, rental, or transfer of ammunition to a person under the age of 21. Prohibiting the possession of a rifle or shotgun by a person under the age of 21 with certain exceptions unless the person is otherwise prohibited from possessing a rifle or shotgun. Exceptions are a temporary transfer or possession of a rifle or shotgun if the under the age of 21 person is under the supervision of a non-prohibited person over the age of 21, acting with the permission of the parent or legal guardian of the transferee or person in possession, transfer by inheritance of title but not possession, is a member of the armed forces while performing official duties. The temporary transfer or possession of a rifle or shotgun if the person is participating in marksmanship training of a recognized organization and is under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Or the person is required to possess a rifle or shotgun for employment. Or, the possession of a firearm for self-defense or defense of others against a trespasser into the residence of the person in possession or into a residence in which the person is an invited guest. Violation is a misdemeanor subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.


Additionally, a licensee or any other person many not, sell, rent, loan or transfer a rifle or shotgun to a person the licensee or other person knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under the age of 21 unless the borrower may possess a rifle or shotgun under §5-205(C) of this subtitle in the bill. OPPOSE


SB0113

Civil Actions - Public Nuisances - Firearm Industry Members (Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2023)

Prohibiting certain firearm industry members from knowingly or recklessly creating, maintaining, or contributing to harm to the public through the sale, manufacture, importation, or marketing of a firearm–related product under certain circumstances; requiring a firearm industry member to establish and implement certain “reasonable” controls regarding the sale, manufacture, importation, distribution, marketing, possession, and use of certain firearm–related products; establishing that a violation of this Act is a public nuisance; authorizing the Attorney General or certain persons to bring an action against a firearm industry member for violations under this Act; and generally relating to civil actions against firearm industry members. Requires that the firearms manufacturers be clairvoyant and foresee how their products will be used after they leave the factory. An outright attack aimed at the destruction of the firearms industry via economic warfare. OPPOSE


SB0118

Criminal Law - Prohibitions on Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms

Prohibiting a person from possessing a firearm on any private property not owned by the person unless the property owner has given express permission or has posted the property with a clear and conspicuous sign that the possession, wear, carry or transport of a firearm is permitted on the property. With no exceptions, firearm possession is totally prohibited on any property controlled by the Federal government, State Government, or a Local government. There is no exception for persons with a valid Maryland permit to wear and carry a firearm. Violation incurs a penalty of up to 2 years or a fine not exceeding $5000 or both. OPPOSE

HOUSE GUN BILLS


HB0003

Maryland State Police Gun Center – Firearms Surrendered Under Final Protective Orders

Essentially an expansion of SB0861 (2022 Session) to track firearms surrendered under final protective orders. No Position

Maryland Gun Bills - 2023 Hearing Schedules and Synopses

2023 Session - Gun Bills

Synopses & Positions


Click here to view on 2A Maryland's website.

2023 Session - Gun Bills

Hearing Schedule & Positions


Click here to view on 2A Maryland's website.

Click to Download the PDF

Click to Download the PDF

2023 Session - Hearing Protocols - What You Need to Know

2023 Senate Witness Guidelines


2023 House Protocol & Hearing Guidelines

  • House Judiciary Committee (JUD) Guidelines – 2023 (still pending from JU)
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Maryland Gun Laws - Statutes & Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)

Maryland COMAR

2022 Edition

Maryland Gun Laws

2022 Session Update


Click here for the Maryland General Assembly Website.
John H. Josselyn
2A Maryland

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