Councilman McCarthy considering new 'celebratory gunfire' law

[Blacksmith101]

More laws to control firearms. Cecil County Gun Owners wake up.

As reported in the Cecil Whig Wednesday July 17, 2013.
http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_b81048d9-5ab0-5250-9e8c-ba7e4733194e.html

Quotes from linked article:

“Cecil County Councilman Alan McCarthy (R-District 1) is considering introducing a firearm safety law that would restrict where and how a firearm could be legally discharged to avoid future tragedies like the death of a 10-year-old girl here on New Year's Eve.”

“This was an unnecessary discharge of a weapon in my opinion,” McCarthy said. “I don't think people should have the right to do this.”

Here is a link to the draft legislation as proposed at the July 9th County Council Worksession Meeting:
http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/Council/FIREARMSAFETY.legislativedraft.6.24.13.pdf

Proposed legislation:

FIREARM SAFETY

Section 1
a.Within this section, a firearm shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun designed to propel any projectile or projectiles by means of explosive energy.

b. It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any firearm:

1) On the property of another without written permission of the property owner or tenant and having the written permission in immediate possession.

2) In the direction of any residential dwelling, or building designed and used for human occupancy or school wherein the person firing or discharging the firearm knows or should have known that the projectile or projectiles have a reasonable chance of striking the structure;

3) On public property without first obtaining written permission from the appropriate agency or a permit from the agency if required and having the written permission or permit in immediate possession;

4) Wherein the projectile or projectiles traverse the property of another so as to endanger life, limb or property; or

6) Within one hundred fifty (150) yards of any residential dwelling, or building designed and used for human occupancy or school, located on adjacent or abutting property, without written permission from the property owner or tenant and having the written permission in immediate possession.

c. Nothing in this section shall be held to apply to or prohibit the firing or discharge of any firearms on a bona fide shooting range; or if the same is reasonably necessary for the defense of life or property; or to any law enforcement officer in the performance of official duty.

Section 2 Be it further enacted that the terms and provisions of this Section shall not apply to any incorporated town or municipality located in Cecil County.

Section 3. And be it further enacted that this Act shall take effect sixty (60) calendar days from the date it become law


Here is a link to Councilman McCarthy’s contact information for more information or comment:
http://www.ccgov.org/council/mccarthy.cfm

 

[EL1227]

FAIL ...

Time and effort better spent on gun safety education. Making yet another gun law that limits what one can do on their own property, as follows:

2) In the direction of any residential dwelling, or building designed and used for human occupancy or school wherein the person firing or discharging the firearm knows or should have known that the projectile or projectiles have a reasonable chance of striking the structure;

Sounds like the same 'squishy' wording as G&S to me. A .22lr could carry 300-400 yards when aimed properly and adjusted for drop, and further if just 'shot in the air'. How would that be applied to 'reasonable chance' ?

4) Wherein the projectile or projectiles traverse the property of another so as to endanger life, limb or property

Define 'property' ... Again, 'squishy' term if loosely applied. A building or a vehicle is 'property', but is a tree on the edge of your neighbors yard considered 'property', especially if your neighbor wants to raise a stink about it.

INAL, but if he wants to craft legislation to address the dangers of 'celebratory gunfire', and NOT use the term 'celebratory gunfire' in it, what is he REALLY trying to accomplish other than restricting the location and use of a firearm without making the criminal aspect the crime ?

JMHO ...

Since I'm not one of his constiuents, it won't do any good for me to contact him.

 

[spclopr8tr]

Re-tread:

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=125238

 

[hvymax]

Re-tread:

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=125238

Dupe.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Sorry I missed that previous post.