The O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill: The “Eye Wall” Takes Shape

By Delegate Mike McDermott

(Annapolis) The “eye wall” on the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill (SB-281) has finally taken shape and, as I have flown through the rhetoric during committee meetings in the past weeks, I believe we are looking at a Cat 5. A “Ban List” of what the governor has designated as “bad guns” has remained alive and well despite indications that our committee was moving toward a more reasonable “features list”. It seems quite clear that the 45 semi-automatic rifles that are currently considered legal, regulated firearms will, overnight, become illegal and banned forever in Maryland. It also seems likely that the current “Handgun Roster Board” that must give its seal of approval on handguns will now be tasked with overseeing rifles based upon a set of suggested language and features to be interpreted going forward by the board and applied to any semi-automatic rifle being sold in state.

So, the deer rifle you hunt with this year could find itself on the Banned List next year depending on the interpretation of a board of bureaucrats appointed by our gun loathing governor. Of course, all this is in the name of public safety in a state where no one has been murdered with one of these “bad guns.”

Going forward, registration is alive and well as is mandatory licensing. After October 1st this year, Marylanders who want to purchase a regulated firearm will need to submit to fingerprinting and an extensive background check by the State Police. There will be a fee associated with this process that will total anywhere from $100 to $400 depending on the final posture of the legislation. This will be the prerequisite to the additional background check that must be conducted every time you apply to purchase one of these firearms.

Further, it is now likely that the magazine restrictions will remain in the bill limiting capacity to no more than 10-rounds. This could have a devastating effect on firearm sales in Maryland as most manufacturers will not retool to suit the needs of a minor market like the State of Maryland. Of course, this could result in a de facto gun ban sure to bring a grin to the face of every liberal and progressive who will gleefully cast a green vote against the 2nd Amendment on any day of the week.

It also seems evident that the mental health aspects of the bill will include a possession ban for anyone who voluntarily commits themselves for treatment options. This truly presents an obstacle for folks who will now be forced to choose between treatment and their firearm rights. For many this is simply unthinkable and they could forego certain treatment options.

Whether or not the House has “71” votes (141 members) to pass, Hurricane Martin’s gun bill remains to be seen. What is clear is the tragic departure from the principles of good leadership we have left in our rear view mirror. No longer do our state leaders attempt to build consensus to insure that a decent level of ownership and buy-in has taken place before they move significant legislation. It all boils down to a mere 71 by hook or by crook, and that identifies division not unity. Getting to 71 does not require much effort so long as you are willing to break a few arms or lean hard on certain projects. To glance up at the board and see the magic “71” should hardly be seen as victory, rather it should be viewed as the symbolic, jaded view that has come to define “leadership” in Annapolis.

Marylanders...Take back your state!