Maryland: General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die, Passed Bill to Eliminate Ballistic Imaging Program

In the waning hours of the Maryland legislature Monday night, the House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 736. Sponsored by state Senator Edward Reilly (R-33), SB 736 will eliminate the unnecessary database and failed ballistic fingerprint system from state law. 

This pro-gun bill will remove an unnecessary burden from firearm manufacturers who are required to continue sending shell cases to a program that has been unfunded for years.

On Saturday, SB 736 unanimously passed the Maryland Senate and passed the House of Delegates on a 135 to 2 vote last night, just in time to meet the midnight deadline for legislation.  This pro-gun bill has been sent to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) for his consideration.

The NRA would like to thank the bill sponsor Senator Ed Reilly as well as the sponsor of the House companion bill, Delegate Seth Howard (R-30B), the Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association, the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, and Maryland Shall Issue.  Special thanks for this bill’s passage goes to National Shooting Sports Foundation for their hard work and determination getting this bill through the Maryland legislature.  The NRA also sends thanks to all the dedicated NRA members who have supported legislation like SB 736 for years.

In addition, the Maryland General Assembly has recently passed other pro-hunting bills.

Senate Bill 88, sponsored by state Senator John C. Astle (D-30), and its companion bill House Bill 170, sponsored by Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel (R-1A), would repeal the standard of strict liability in Maryland law with regards to baiting as well as conform State law to Federal law.  This bill requires that hunters know or should reasonably know that the area is a baited area.

Current Maryland law uses the standard of strict liability that prohibits a person from hunting certain game birds using the aid of bait or on/over a baited area.  This standard makes Maryland law more restrictive than Federal law, and can ensnare an unsuspecting hunter who has no knowledge that bait could be in the area.

Senate Bill 88 and House Bill 170 are now on Governor Larry Hogan’s desk awaiting his signature.

The 2015 legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly has been a successful year for the Second Amendment community.  Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on these important pieces of legislation.