HB 28 - Vehicle Laws - Hidden Compartments - Prohibition and Penalties

[MJD438]

Does anyone know what Del. McDermott is going after here? I can see some negatives in this restriction that would potentially impact this community, despite what I can only assume are well-intentioned thoughts.

If I get a chance, I plan on stopping in to Annapolis soon and will stop in to his office to talk about this, but he is not my Delegate and I don't know how receptive he, or his staff, will be to talking to someone outside of his district with questions/concerns.

Prohibiting a person from knowingly creating, building, or installing a specified hidden compartment in a motor vehicle; prohibiting a person from knowingly owning or operating a motor vehicle that contains a specified hidden compartment; authorizing the seizure of specified motor vehicles involved in a violation of the Act; requiring the forfeiture of specified motor vehicles seized under the Act; etc.

PDF Text is available here - http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2014RS/bills/hb/hb0028f.pdf.

 

[dblas]

Does anyone know what Del. McDermott is going after here? I can see some negatives in this restriction that would potentially impact this community, despite what I can only assume are well-intentioned thoughts.

If I get a chance, I plan on stopping in to Annapolis soon and will stop in to his office to talk about this, but he is not my Delegate and I don't know how receptive he, or his staff, will be to talking to someone outside of his district with questions/concerns.

[quote - HB28 Synopsis]
Prohibiting a person from knowingly creating, building, or installing a specified hidden compartment in a motor vehicle; prohibiting a person from knowingly owning or operating a motor vehicle that contains a specified hidden compartment; authorizing the seizure of specified motor vehicles involved in a violation of the Act; requiring the forfeiture of specified motor vehicles seized under the Act; etc.

PDF Text is available here - http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2014RS/bills/hb/hb0028f.pdf.[/QUOTE]

Call the office, he shares it with Smigiel, and see if you can make an appointment, then when you are done, say hi to Andi before you leave.

 

[teratos]

I don't like this. It is not anyone's business whether I have a secret compartment in a vehicle I own.

 

[Seagrave1963]

Gonna guess drug running - it will be interesting to hear his reply to your questions on the bill.

 

[K31]

I'm going to guess yet another law that that already covered by a bunch more already on the books but sounds good if you go through some twisted logic.

 

[Combloc]

Yet another way to extend the tyranny. My God, there is no end.

 

[Mr H]

Gonna guess drug running - it will be interesting to hear his reply to your questions on the bill.

That would be my guess as well... but I'm going with the Doc here.

Nunnayobidness whether I have a place to stash anything I feel necessary.

Technically, if I was to install a small box in my fender well for a house key and an emergency twenty, this looks like a problem.

 

[Trbo6gn]

So they are going to completely ban the dodge dart since it comes with a hidden compartment from the factory.

 

[MikeTF]

It seems over the top to me. If you're hiding an individual or contraband that is already illegal. This seems like one of those 'add on' charges. I have a small car safe that I conceal when transporting or storing a firearm (i.e. going into a school or courthouse) and have considered making a hidden compartment for it. I'm in VA now so I CCW all of the time. It has a practical use for me here in VA. Although it is extremely unlikely that while visiting MD that such a compartment would ever be discovered, I'd really hate to loose my right to own firearms because of this new law.

 

[MJD438]

I agree with the NunYa mindset, as I share it. I know the Delegate in question is considered a friend to us on many issues; this one really stuck out as a "what is he thinking" issue to me. It just makes me think "what's next, can't hide a safe in the walls of my house because it may contain contraband but likely contains completely legal contents I want hidden from common view?"

 

[Venge]

Ohhh bull-SHIT...

ON CONVICTION OF A VIOLATION OF § 22–419 OF THIS 1 ARTICLE, A MOTOR VEHICLE SEIZED UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS 2 PARAGRAPH IN CONNECTION WITH THE VIOLATION SHALL BE FORFEITED TO 3 THE STATE AND NO PROPERTY RIGHT SHALL EXIST IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE. 4
SECTION

This, combined with a vague, very typically politicianese definition of "hidden compartment", means the state can steal your car.

 

[K31]

Someone should point out that hidden compartments are often used to smuggle illegals. Then this bill would have zero chance of passing in this state.

 

[dblas]

You know what guys, instead of bashing a Delegate that supports us almost as much as Delegate Smigiel, Get off of your hands, pick up the phone and call him and ask!

Not only does Delegate McDermott sit beside Delegate Smigiel in Judiciary but also shares an office with and who's day job when he is not in Annapolis is as Sheriff's Deputy for Worcester County Sheriff's Office.

If we start attacking those that support us, then we will have no one to support us. The 2A community is its own worst enemy.

Does the bill not add up, yep, is it evil in intent, I don't think so, and no one here knows for certain because no one has called and asked.

 

[K31]

I agree with the NunYa mindset, as I share it. I know the Delegate in question is considered a friend to us on many issues; this one really stuck out as a "what is he thinking" issue to me. It just makes me think "what's next, can't hide a safe in the walls of my house because it may contain contraband but likely contains completely legal contents I want hidden from common view?"

Yes, more from the "anti" logic zone. Someone may abuse it, therefore all peons may not have it.

 

[Venge]

Get off of your hands, pick up the phone and call him and ask!

Fair enough...

 

[Applehd]

Gonna guess drug running - it will be interesting to hear his reply to your questions on the bill.

Take to the next level... would "they" interpret a pistol lock box under the seat as a "hidden" compartment...? Can you say...slippery slope?

ETA: Not bashing anyone here, especially those in "our" camp. However, playing Devil's advocate, this may bode well for the other side.

 

[dblas]

Fair enough...

You and I think so, but there will be others that think it is beneath them because the bill shouldn't have been drafted in the first place.

 

[SWO Daddy]

You have got to be kidding me, this is complete bull crap.

The thought police should ban vaginas next - they could be used for prostitution after all.

 

[MikeTF]

You have got to be kidding me, this is complete bull crap.

The thought police should ban vaginas next - they could be used for prostitution after all.

If the '(not so) slippery slope' continues, anus's should be outlawed too, but then what would happen to the state legislature?

 

[F-Stop]

So they are going to completely ban the dodge dart since it comes with a hidden compartment from the factory.

Maybe they make good fleet cars and he is looking to seize them all to refresh state vehicles.

I guess when your job is to think up this stupid crap there is no limit.

Next let's limit the volume of pockets on pants. No more 5 pocket jeans or cargo pants.