Yup. I know one or two of the democratic legislators involved (we don't necessarily see entirely eye to eye politically as one might guess). I won't name names because I used to consider them friends (we just haven't had much to do with each other in years, not for any particular bad reason).
Anyway, yes, a large number are reasonably practical and as much as they are pragmatic on what gets them re-election funds and votes, I just don't think gun control laws drive a whole lot of money in Maryland. And I don't think many of them are willing to spend a lot of time and effort on laws they are confident the courts would just throw out. Till now, the courts have thrown out very, very little.
It is just a question of what they need support from the real die-hard crazies like Lopez, on. If the crazies condition their support on other Democratic MGA priorities on getting votes (and passing) their crazy gun control bills that are destined to lose in court, its possible it'll attract leadership support. But the advantage in some ways of the super majority is that they can afford to lose a few votes on stuff and still pass bills.
I DO think we will see a few gun laws get pushed hard and pass. Safe storage? I'll be shocked if it doesn't get passed this session. I think there will be SOME changes to W&C laws on review, how and where carry can occur. I am hoping it isn't nearly as radical as NY's changes. Hell, I hope they are actually changes to make things less restrictive, but I highly doubt that. If we are lucky, they MIGHT drop the subjective stuff like references and tighten approval times (because it shouldn't take so long when it isn't more than a background check and maybe confirming you completed training). I am 100% confident they will at least try to expand sensitive places to include things like all institutes of higher learning, a bunch of Annapolis, probably push some stuff like bars.
I doubt they'll remove restrictions without court orders (like state forests and parks).
