Gun Safety

I am a strong supporter of gun safety legislation, Moms Demand Action and a proud Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction.

In 2013, I was proud to support one of the strongest gun safety laws in the country (sponsored by then Senator Frosh). That law bans assault weapons, requires fingerprinting and licensing of all handgun buyers, increases the penalties for using “cop killer” bullets in a crime of violence, and regulates firearm dealers’ licensing and record-keeping
In 2018, Maryland passed additional laws to ensure convicted domestic abusers give up their firearms
We also instituted a “red flag” or “extreme risk protective order” law.
In 2021 I proudly voted to override the Governor’s Veto of HB 4/SB 208 (2020) to require background checks for all sales and transfers of rifles and shotguns.
In 2022 we passed HB 425/SB 387: Ghost Gun Ban. This legislation (sponsored by D16 Senator Susan Lee) bans unregistered, untraceable ‘ghost guns’ and creates a plan for a system to register guns that can be sold in kits of loose parts and do not have a serial number. The bill requires the Secretary of State Police to maintain a system to register firearms imprinted with serial numbers and prohibits a person from purchasing, receiving, selling, offering to sell, or transferring an “unfinished frame or receiver” or a firearm unless it is registered and imprinted with a serial number.
HB 1021: Enhanced Security Requirements for Licensed Firearms Dealer Shops. This bill requires firearm dealers to put common sense security features like video cameras, burglary systems and/or safes in their shops to prevent stolen firearms. These enhanced security measures will prevent stolen firearms from going on the black market and being used to commit crimes.
HB 1018: Public Safety Funding Transparency. This bill requires the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to create a scorecard of quantifiable safety indicators to ensure that the State’s public safety funding is being used in a manner that makes all Marylanders safer.
SB 861: Gun Center Funding. This legislation establishes and funds the Maryland State Police Gun Center. This gun center is responsible for the statewide tracking, screening, and vetting of all firearm crimes committed in the State.

There is obviously more to do. I will be a passionate partner to gun safety advocates.