That letter is a little late isn't it? This should have been sent weeks ago.
As the Committee considers House Bill 1302, we urge due process considerations, such as a high evidentiary standard in order to issue a lethal violence protective order, an opportunity for the respondent to address the petition made against him or her, expedited hearing timelines, and a limited scope of who can petition the court under this process be given proper consideration.
None of the stipulations below were met! Due Process delayed is Due Process denied.
From the letter:
Attached is the letter that Hogan sent to Chairman Joesph F. Vallario, Jr. and Members of the House Judiciary
That letter is dated March 1 and I assume is his response to the first version of the bill, not the final version.
Translation: I like this bill. I will sign this bill. Just voicing concerns to cover my ass.
I thought the final bill has not been released?
When numerous other HB1302 threads simply aren't enough.
Final version has been up on the legislative website since Tuesday:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/hb/hb1302e.pdf
So if I read this bill correctly, one hell of a lot of redactions, the 'neighborhood bag lady' can't take your guns.
I didn't completely digest the entire bill but it does look like not just any irate neighbor can make some anonymous call and say you are a threat and have an order issued. The petitioner for an order must first identify themselves and their relationship to the respondent and present some form of evidence that a judge reviews.
It sure isn't as horrible as I first heard, any 'interested party', I mean that right there was a complete deal breaker.
The thing that mostly upsets me about the bill is that it singles out a specific group of people, gun owners. Kinda violates the 14 amendment. I still am foggy on the recourse the respondent has if it turns out that an ex girlfriend was being untruthful with her claim.
That any irate neighbor can lie their any irate neighbor assoff and convince a police officer to initiate the ERPO.
Because any random police officer can, based on HB1302 language, initiate an ERPO.
The sneaky MGA made certain to keep that in their bill.
When you support the policies of the enemy, what does that make you? Certainly not my friend! Continuing to retreat will never result in victory, at some point you must counter and do so decisively! Problem is, people in this state are so used to retreating, they have lost the will to counter and no longer remember how to. Liberty in this state is enduring the death of a thousand cuts.