SB281 Blaster
Active Member
As an FFL I found one. Give me HB713.
Multiple folks on any one bill is fine. If we see one that has no testimony, someone can grab it.
The idea is to show up in numbers, and with a pile of written testimony. (And everyone can write a paragraph; or at least "I oppose/support HB XXX. It will help/hurt lawful gun-owners."
For too many years, I think we let MSI and AGC carry all the weight. No more.
For too many years, I think we let MSI and AGC carry all the weight. No more.
Planned testimony supporting HB 715 (repeal fired casing):
I am asking you to support HB 715 (SB 584) Public Safety – Handgun Identification Requirements.
This bill would repeal the requirement to submit a fired shell casing when purchasing a new handgun. There are several reasons to support this repeal.
Despite what is seen on TV, there is no automatic database of shell casings, instantly available to law enforcement personnel. The reality is not CSI. The Maryland State Police and local police departments have never been able to scan all fired shell casings in order to solve crimes. This matching to fired casings has never been used to solve a random crime. It was used, once, to confirm that a fired casing was fired from a suspect’s gun.
Indeed, the State Police do not have the ability to scan any fired casing. They have not had this ability for several years. They have publicly stated that fired casings are simply boxed and stored. Any other activity has not been funded for many years. The State Police have not requested funding to reactivate this program.
This imposes a burden upon lawful gun buyers. Last year’s Firearms Safety Act required a Handgun Qualification License for the purchase of a handgun. This imposes a cost to the buyer of at least $100, but often approaching $250. The requirement for a fired shell casing imposes a $30-50 additional cost as it is often not included by the manufacturer. This is a reasonable step to reduce costs to lawful buyers.
Thank you.
For those that want to use this, a few tidbits of information.
The machine used to scan the shell casings, broke in 2004 and was never repaired.
The machine was sold as scrap by MSP in 2010.
The program was defunded in 2010 (?) (I will verify the year).
For those that want to use this, a few tidbits of information.
The machine used to scan the shell casings, broke in 2004 and was never repaired.
The machine was sold as scrap by MSP in 2010.
The program was defunded in 2010 (?) (I will verify the year).
Also, if I heard correctly last night (maybe SB281Blaster can post a link?)...
A MD study which was done criticizing CA's program, was cited as authority when NY chose to repeal their requirement.
So, in essence, this has never worked ANYWHERE, and MD knew it all along.