Yesterday, the 430th legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly convened. The NRA goal in Annapolis is to continue to fight any attack against your Second Amendment rights and to help pass positive reforms.
One example of a pro-gun reform is House Bill 45, introduced by Delegate Michael D. Smigiel (R-36). Currently, residents of Maryland who wish to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense have been forced to prove a “good and substantial reason,” which has to be approved by the Secretary of State Police. While this requirement is not unique to Maryland, it is an unnecessary and, in many cases, impossible hurdle put in place to deliberately limit the ability of Maryland residents to protect themselves with firearms. This legislation would remove the burden of proof and alter the law so that anyone who applies for a concealed carry permit would automatically be presumed to have “good and substantial reason.”
House Bill 45 has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
To help track the status of legislation affecting your Second Amendment rights in Maryland and to easily contact your elected officials, the National Rifle Association will update you with alerts and action items as both pro-gun and anti-gun legislation progress through the Maryland General Assembly, so be sure to continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your e-mail for future updates.