Guns in the 2019 session

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  • smokey

    2A TEACHER
    Jan 31, 2008
    31,412
    I did some searching and didn't see that anyone made a thread about this legislative session yet. I also didn't see anything about this year's gun-bill-day organizing, soooo I hope something is in the works for that. Anyway here's the bills I'm seeing so far. Benson's bill seems pretty bad. Hopefully we can squash it and anything resembling it with a strong showing in annapolis, around the state, and on social media. I'll try to keep up with this thread and toss bills in this first post as they pop up.
    House Legislation
    HB-31 Delegate Glenn-D. Withdrawn 2-4-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0031&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that the prohibition on carrying or possessing a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon of any kind on public school property does not apply to a school resource officer who is assigned to a public school in Baltimore City and is on public school property in Baltimore City.


    HB-95 Delegate Dumais. Unfavorable withdrawn 3-14-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0095&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Applying certain provisions disqualifying a person from possessing a rifle or shotgun to an antique firearm.

    HB-96 Delegate Dumass favorable passed out of committee 3-27-19 passed house 4-1-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0096&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that, for certain purposes, the term "transfer" includes a loan other than a temporary gratuitous exchange of a regulated firearm between two individuals who remain in the same location for the duration of the exchange.


    HB-342 Delegate Reilly. Unfavorable 3-11-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0342&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Clarifying that personal protection or self-defense can qualify as a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for purposes of the issuance by the Secretary of State Police of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun; and declaring the intent of the General Assembly that an amount representing the increase in General Fund revenues, less increased administrative costs, realized from the increased number of permits issued under the Act be included in the annual budget to fund certain school mental health programs.

    HB-367 Delegate Solomon. Passed house 3-7-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0367&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a county board of education or public school from spending any money from any source to directly or indirectly provide a teacher with a firearm or train a teacher in the use of a firearm; and providing the Act does not apply to a school-approved sport or club that makes use of firearms.
    As an editorial as a teacher, Solomon is directly interfering with a school system's ability to keep children safe. The state needs to get out of the way and allow teachers like me to have a legal pathway to carry at work for the immediate defense of our students, coworkers, and ourselves. It is the only realistic means of reducing the potential damage that happens when a violent criminal decides to attack the people in a school.

    HB-523 Delegate Palakovich Carr. Unfavorable withdrawn 2-18-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0523&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a school-approved sport, club, or course of instruction from using lead ammunition in training, practice, or athletic competition.

    HB-612 Delegate Ivey
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0612&tab=subject3&ys=2019RS
    Altering the definition of "regulated firearm" to include the previously excepted Colt AR-15 Sporter H-BAR rifle.

    HB-722 Delegate Beitzel R. Unfavorable 3-11-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0722&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Classifying the theft of a firearm as a felony; and establishing certain penalties for theft of a firearm.

    HB-749 Delegate Grammer R
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0749&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that a person may not be denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm solely on the basis that the person is a certain qualifying patient; defining the term "qualifying patient" to mean a person who is authorized under certain provisions of law to use medical cannabis; establishing the intent of the General Assembly that medical cannabis should be treated as legal for certain purposes and the State should not penalize a qualifying patient for using the drug legally; etc.

    HB-769 Harford county delegation. Unfavorable 3-11-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0769&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing, in Harford County, a person to, without a permit, carry a handgun on the property of a church or religious organization during certain events and transport a handgun to and from certain church or religious organization events if the person has the written consent of a certain church or religious organization to carry a handgun on the property during certain events and has the intent to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for certain purposes on the property of the church or religious organization; etc.

    HB-774 Delegate Bartlett D. passed house 4-8 senate referred to judicial proceedings 4-8
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0774&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring the Office of the Attorney General to study and compile information regarding certain matters that relate to firearms used in the commission of a crime of violence or recovered by law enforcement in connection with an illegal firearm possession, transportation, or transfer; requiring the Maryland State Police to provide certain information for the study; requiring the Office of the Attorney General to report its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 1, 2020; etc.

    HB-781 Delegate Szeliga R. Unfavorable 3-11-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0781&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing a person who has the written consent of a bona fide church or religious organization to carry a handgun on the property of the church or religious organization during certain events and who has the intent to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for certain purposes on the property of the church or religious organization to, without a permit, carry a handgun on the property of the church or religious organization during certain events and transport a handgun to and from certain church or religious organization events; etc.

    HB-927 Haynes D.
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0927&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to require that certain entrance-level and in-service police training conducted by the State and each county and municipal police training school include, for police officers who are issued a firearm, classroom instruction, training, and qualification for the firearm that is comparable to certain requirements established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    HB-981 Parrott R
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0981&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing an exemption under the sales and use tax for the sale of certain firearm safety devices, including a firearm safe, firearm lockbox, trigger and barrel lock, or any other item designed to enhance home firearm safety.

    HB-1145 Lewis D
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb1145&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to develop and establish a certain training curriculum for special police officers; requiring the Secretary of State Police to require a special police officer to complete a certain training curriculum before the issuance or renewal of a commission to be a special police officer; requiring a certain entity to pay the cost for completion of a certain training curriculum; requiring a certain special police officer to carry certain equipment under certain circumstances; etc.

    HB-1247 Delegate Cox R. Unfavorable 3-14-19....damnit
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb1247&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring each public school and certain nonpublic schools to have at least two trained individuals who have a handgun permit and carry a handgun or at least two school resource officers who carry firearms; requiring each county board of education and certain nonpublic schools to report certain information to the Maryland Center for School Safety; requiring the School Safety Grant Program to provide grants to certain schools for a single-point-of-entry system and bullet-resistant glass for classrooms; etc.

    HB-1343 delegate atterbeary D house passed 4-4 senate passed 4-8 house returned passed 4-8
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb1343&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Altering the process by which a person who is denied a certain handgun permit or renewal of a permit or whose permit is revoked or limited by the Secretary of State Police or the Secretary's designee may appeal the decision; repealing provisions of law relating to the Handgun Permit Review Board; providing that appeals from a certain decision by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee may be made to the Office of Administrative Hearings in a certain manner; etc.


    Senate & Cross-Filed Legislation
    sb-8 Senator Benson-D. Withdrawn 3-4-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0008&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a person from using a certain computer-aided fabrication device to manufacture a firearm; prohibiting a person from possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or receiving a firearm manufactured using a certain computer-aided fabrication device; prohibiting a person from possessing, distributing, transmitting, publishing, selling, transferring, or purchasing a certain computer control language, computer program, computer software, or computer database; establishing certain penalties; etc.

    SB-97 Senator Hough-R. Passed Senate 3-7-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0097&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that a person may not be denied the right to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm solely on the basis that the person is authorized to use medical cannabis.

    SB-113 Senator Hough-R Cross filed as HB-92 by Delegate Dumais. Passed enrolled 4-5
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0113&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Altering the manner in which an applicant for a handgun permit is required to pay a certain fee to allow any method of payment approved by the Secretary of State Police.

    SB-114 Senator Hough-R. Passed Senate 3-7-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0114&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing a person to apply for preliminary approval of a handgun permit to wear, carry, or transport a handgun without completing a certified firearms training course; requiring the Secretary of State Police to investigate an application for a handgun permit; requiring the Secretary to issue preliminary approval if the applicant meets certain requirements except the certified firearms training course; requiring an applicant to satisfy the firearms training requirement within 120 days after receipt of preliminary approval; etc.

    SB-115 Senator Hough-R Cross filed HB-541. Unfavorable 3-13-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0115&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Clarifying that personal protection or self-defense can qualify as a good and substantial reason to carry, wear, or transport a handgun for purposes of the issuance by the Secretary of State Police of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.

    SB-166 President at request of admin Cross filed HB-236.
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0166&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Altering penalties for a certain crime relating to use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence or felony.

    SB-287 Senator Cassilly. Passed Senate 3-7-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0287&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Exempting a certain applicant for a handgun qualification license from a certain training requirement if the applicant is a certain retired law enforcement officer or a certain active or retired correctional officer, sheriff, or deputy sheriff under certain circumstances.

    SB-346 Senator Ferguson. Passed enrolled 4-8
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0346&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that, for certain purposes relating to the transfer of a firearm, the term "transfer" includes a loan other than a temporary gratuitous exchange of a regulated firearm between two individuals who remain in the same location for the duration of the exchange.

    SB-441 bunch of sponsors cross filed HB-468.
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0441&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a person from storing or leaving a loaded or an unloaded firearm in a location where a child could gain access to the firearm, unless the firearm is locked by a certain safety lock or is secured in a container that is capable of preventing an unintended person from gaining access to the contents; altering the definition of "child" to be an individual under the age of 18 years instead of 16 years; and providing a penalty for a violation of the Act of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

    SB 536 Senator Lam cross filed HB-367 Delegate Solomon.
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0367&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a county board of education or public school from spending any money from any source to directly or indirectly provide a teacher with a firearm or train a teacher in the use of a firearm; and providing the Act does not apply to a school-approved sport or club that makes use of firearms.
    As an editorial as a teacher, Solomon is directly interfering with a school system's ability to keep children safe. The state needs to get out of the way and allow teachers like me to have a legal pathway to carry at work for the immediate defense of our students, coworkers, and ourselves. It is the only realistic means of reducing the potential damage that happens when a violent criminal decides to attack the people in a school.

    SB 622 Senator Carter. Passed enrolled 4-8-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0622&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring the Office of the Attorney General to study and compile information regarding certain matters that relate to certain crime firearms; requiring the Department of State Police to provide certain information for the study; and requiring the Office of the Attorney General to report its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 1, 2020.

    SB 626 Senator Carter. Unfavorable withdrawn 3-13-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0626&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Altering the jurisdiction of the juvenile court over a child at least 14 years old alleged to have done an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a crime punishable by life imprisonment; and over a child at least 16 years old alleged to have committed certain crimes.

    SB 664 Senator Edwards Cross filed as HB-1146. passed senate 3-25
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0664&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    s: Authorizing, in Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, and Washington County, a certain law enforcement unit to sell, exchange, or transfer certain forfeited firearms to a federally licensed firearms dealer under certain circumstances.

    SB- 706 Senator Ready Cross filed as HB-834. Unfavorable 3-11-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0706&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing a person to replace a lost or broken assault weapon that was lawfully possessed in accordance with certain provisions of law if the replacement is registered with the Secretary of State Police.

    SB-737 Senator Lee Cross filed as HB-786. Passed Senate 4-8-19, referred to judiciary in house...annnnd tanked by atterbeary! lolz
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0737&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Providing that a person who is not a certain licensee may not complete the transfer of a certain rifle or shotgun as transferor or transferee, except under certain circumstances; requiring, before a certain transfer is conducted, the transferor and transferee to meet jointly with a certain licensee and request that the licensee facilitate the transfer; requiring a licensee to take certain actions when facilitating a transfer; etc.

    SB-882 Senator Smith D Cross filed as HB740
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0882&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Prohibiting a person from transporting into the State a certain firearm that is not imprinted with a certain serial number or manufacturing, possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or receiving a certain firearm that is not imprinted with a certain serial number; prohibiting a person from using a certain computer-aided fabrication device to manufacture a certain firearm; establishing certain penalties; etc.

    SB-884 Senator Jennings
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0884&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Requiring a Baltimore City school police officer and a school resource officer to carry a firearm while present on the premises of the school to which the officer is assigned.

    SB-888 Senator Eckarht cross filed hb-620 passed senate 3-25 passed house 4-6 returned passed senate 4-8
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0888&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person to hunt deer on the second and third Sunday of the deer firearms season on certain property in Dorchester County, subject to certain provisions of law.

    SB-890 Senator Eckarht Cross filed hb-619 passed senate 3-25 passed house 4-6 returned passed senate 4-8
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0890&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person to hunt deer on Sundays during the deer muzzle loader season on certain property in Dorchester County, subject to certain provisions of law.

    SB-923 Senator Gallion Cross filed HB-401 passed senate 3-18, passed house 3-28, returned passed 3-29-19
    http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0923&stab=01&ys=2019RS
    Authorizing an individual who hunts under a Deer Management Permit in Harford County to use a shotgun or a breech loading center fired rifle to hunt deer throughout the year, including all deer hunting seasons, in the locations and under the conditions set forth in the permit; and authorizing an individual who hunts under a Deer Management Permit in Harford County to hunt deer on certain lands under certain conditions.
     
    Last edited:

    daNattyFatty

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 27, 2009
    3,908
    Bel Air, MD
    MSRPA has a link to their legislative tracker......but it’s in their IP section.

    I’m sure this is the better spot for more visibility and discussion.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
     

    smokey

    2A TEACHER
    Jan 31, 2008
    31,412
    looks like hough added SB97...still does nothing for federal limitations...but......meh
     

    shmuel2004

    Banned
    BANNED!!!
    Jun 1, 2016
    140
    Pikesville, MD
    I heard they are going to try and bring back the campus gun ban bill. I wouldn't be surprised if they follow DiFi and try to bring an assault weapons ban.
     

    East2West

    Banned
    BANNED!!!
    Jul 20, 2013
    902
    Nomalley, Nobama

    Some Guy

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 26, 2017
    1,014
    Howdy, All. Yesterday I saw that the Repeat Firearms Offender Act had been proposed in the Maryland House and the Senate. The link to the proposed legislation is here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/hb/hb0236F.pdf. I posted the following in an inappropriate string, so I'm going to put it here where I think it should go. Bear with me, my skills aren't great in this stuff.

    The proposed law is interesting in that it stipulates minimum sentencing times of five to ten years for those using firearms in the commission of a "crime of violence" or a "felony" as defined by Maryland law. On its face it allows the law to put away violent criminals (who use firearms during the commission of their felonies) for five or more years, and it limits judicial ability to reduce the sentence (I think.)

    But- I am not sure about the extent of the Maryland definition of felony, though. For example, if the legislature passes legislation this year that says mere possession of X type of magazine or firearm is a felony in itself, could this proposed legislation expose many currently lawful firearm owners to considerable risk? That is, possession of X is a commissioned felony, and oh, btw, the possession of X also happens to mean that the charged person is deemed to have used X is the commission of the original felony of possession. Therefore, five years, and no sentence reduction possible. This is close to double jeopardy, but in Maryland I have no doubt some prosecutors would try to do this.

    I'm not a lawyer, but is this initial assessment anything close to correct? Because if it is and this legislation passes along with other laws restricting possession of X, whatever that may be, = not good. One could be a legal firearm owner today, a law abiding, non-violent person and could then become a felon in October, with a risk of a minimum of five years for that act of possessing what is legal today.


    For purposes of my comment, I'm more concerned about how this law could be used against those who legally own and possess X firearm today and who are also NOT using them in criminal endeavors (i.e. law abiding firearm owners,) and if that legal ownership or possession could be construed as a felony later this year. A felony with a minimum sentence of five years. I just don't know enough about local law to determine if this is a possible or likely scenario.

    Thoughts, anyone? And pardon my ignorance if I'm reading this one incorrectly.
     

    smokey

    2A TEACHER
    Jan 31, 2008
    31,412
    Howdy, All. Yesterday I saw that the Repeat Firearms Offender Act had been proposed in the Maryland House and the Senate. The link to the proposed legislation is here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/hb/hb0236F.pdf. I posted the following in an inappropriate string, so I'm going to put it here where I think it should go. Bear with me, my skills aren't great in this stuff.

    The proposed law is interesting in that it stipulates minimum sentencing times of five to ten years for those using firearms in the commission of a "crime of violence" or a "felony" as defined by Maryland law. On its face it allows the law to put away violent criminals (who use firearms during the commission of their felonies) for five or more years, and it limits judicial ability to reduce the sentence (I think.)

    But- I am not sure about the extent of the Maryland definition of felony, though. For example, if the legislature passes legislation this year that says mere possession of X type of magazine or firearm is a felony in itself, could this proposed legislation expose many currently lawful firearm owners to considerable risk? That is, possession of X is a commissioned felony, and oh, btw, the possession of X also happens to mean that the charged person is deemed to have used X is the commission of the original felony of possession. Therefore, five years, and no sentence reduction possible. This is close to double jeopardy, but in Maryland I have no doubt some prosecutors would try to do this.

    I'm not a lawyer, but is this initial assessment anything close to correct? Because if it is and this legislation passes along with other laws restricting possession of X, whatever that may be, = not good. One could be a legal firearm owner today, a law abiding, non-violent person and could then become a felon in October, with a risk of a minimum of five years for that act of possessing what is legal today.


    For purposes of my comment, I'm more concerned about how this law could be used against those who legally own and possess X firearm today and who are also NOT using them in criminal endeavors (i.e. law abiding firearm owners,) and if that legal ownership or possession could be construed as a felony later this year. A felony with a minimum sentence of five years. I just don't know enough about local law to determine if this is a possible or likely scenario.

    Thoughts, anyone? And pardon my ignorance if I'm reading this one incorrectly.

    Yeah. It would be nice for them to cut out the tool used and just make the crime of violence the thing that people are given the sentence for. If I'm killed, it doesn't really matter if I am killed by bullets or a blade. Dead is dead. Same goes for robbery, attempted murder, rape... making the tool used the factor for sentencing rather than the act makes no sense to me.
     

    Some Guy

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 26, 2017
    1,014
    I agree. The method or manner or device employed in the commission of a violent crime or felony is irrelevant. The act itself is what should be adjudicated. I lean towards opposing this legislation based on that logic. Plus as written I think it could put many lawful and peaceful firearm owners at substantial risk in the future if possession laws change.


    Thanks for the input.
     

    Mark75H

    MD Wear&Carry Instructor
    Industry Partner
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 25, 2011
    17,173
    Outside the Gates
    Howdy, All. Yesterday I saw that the Repeat Firearms Offender Act had been proposed in the Maryland House and the Senate. The link to the proposed legislation is here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/hb/hb0236F.pdf. I posted the following in an inappropriate string, so I'm going to put it here where I think it should go. Bear with me, my skills aren't great in this stuff.

    The proposed law is interesting in that it stipulates minimum sentencing times of five to ten years for those using firearms in the commission of a "crime of violence" or a "felony" as defined by Maryland law. On its face it allows the law to put away violent criminals (who use firearms during the commission of their felonies) for five or more years, and it limits judicial ability to reduce the sentence (I think.)

    But- I am not sure about the extent of the Maryland definition of felony, though. For example, if the legislature passes legislation this year that says mere possession of X type of magazine or firearm is a felony in itself, could this proposed legislation expose many currently lawful firearm owners to considerable risk? That is, possession of X is a commissioned felony, and oh, btw, the possession of X also happens to mean that the charged person is deemed to have used X is the commission of the original felony of possession. Therefore, five years, and no sentence reduction possible. This is close to double jeopardy, but in Maryland I have no doubt some prosecutors would try to do this.

    I'm not a lawyer, but is this initial assessment anything close to correct? Because if it is and this legislation passes along with other laws restricting possession of X, whatever that may be, = not good. One could be a legal firearm owner today, a law abiding, non-violent person and could then become a felon in October, with a risk of a minimum of five years for that act of possessing what is legal today.


    For purposes of my comment, I'm more concerned about how this law could be used against those who legally own and possess X firearm today and who are also NOT using them in criminal endeavors (i.e. law abiding firearm owners,) and if that legal ownership or possession could be construed as a felony later this year. A felony with a minimum sentence of five years. I just don't know enough about local law to determine if this is a possible or likely scenario.

    Thoughts, anyone? And pardon my ignorance if I'm reading this one incorrectly.


    Maryland General Assembly: any thing is possible.
     

    BeoBill

    Crank in the Third Row
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 3, 2013
    27,062
    南馬里蘭州鮑伊
    Yeah. It would be nice for them to cut out the tool used and just make the crime of violence the thing that people are given the sentence for. If I'm killed, it doesn't really matter if I am killed by bullets or a blade. Dead is dead. Same goes for robbery, attempted murder, rape... making the tool used the factor for sentencing rather than the act makes no sense to me.

    But if they didn't direct it toward EBIL GUNZ instead of the crime itself, then the Currans would be displeased and Bloomberg wouldn't fill their PACs with "donations."
     

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