Firearms Legislation - Not Passed
Terrorist Watchlist
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This bill would prohibit the issuing of a permit to "carry, wear, or transport a handgun to a person who is on the "Terrorist Watch list". Sounds like a good idea, but how do you get on the "Terrorist Watch list?" Who is on it? How do you get off of the list if you find you are on it? No one has the answer to these questions. Considering that actual terrorists are unlikely to apply for a permit to carry a weapon legally, it is more likely that the unintended consequence of this legislation would be to deny the Constitutional right of a citizen without due process. The ACLU and others raised significant concerns in both the House and Senate Committees and the bill did not moved forward.
Weapon-free Higher Education Zones
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This bill would make it illegal to possess a firearm on the entire property of any college in the State of Maryland, including the transport of a weapon in a private vehicle passing through a large campus on a state road such as the University of Maryland or Towson University. Currently, it is up to individual institutions to determine the policies regarding possession of firearms on their campuses. While the intent of the bill was to protect students on college campuses, it is too broadly drawn. The penalty is a misdemeanor and subject to maximum penalties of imprisonment for three years and/or $1000 fine. As we know, those who have gone on shooting rampages on college campuses are not concerned whether or not the gun is legal on campus. The bill passed in the House and there was no vote in the Senate.
Democrats Override Hogan's Vetoes
The 2016 Legislative Session began with veto overrides of several of Governor Hogan's vetoed bills that passed in 2015. I supported Governor Hogan on his vetoes.
Election Voting Rights for Felons
- Allows a person convicted of a felony to register to vote upon their release from prison, even if they are still subject to parole and probation or are on work release. Under the existing law, once a convicted felon has served their court-ordered sentence, including any terms of parole and probation, their voting rights were restored. The existing law achieved the proper balance between the repayment of obligations to society for felony convictions and the restoration voting rights.
Criminal Law - Use and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia
- Smoking marijuana while driving is a serious threat to public safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, after alcohol, marijuana is the next drug most frequently found in crash-involved drivers. This law leaves State and local law enforcement with no authority to make a traffic stop if they see someone smoking marijuana while driving. The Maryland State's Attorneys, Chiefs of Police, and Sheriff's Associations all supported Governor Hogan's veto of Senate Bill 517.
Criminal Procedure - Seizure and Forfeiture
- Maryland's asset forfeiture law helps to ensure that criminals do not reap any economic benefit from their crimes. This law would greatly inhibit local law enforcement agencies from pursing asset forfeiture from drug dealers. It also imposes new restrictions that would interfere with joint Federal and State task forces investigating drug crimes. However, knowing that asset forfeiture laws can sometimes be abused by those in charge of their implementation, Governor Hogan created a workgroup to review the current forfeiture law and make recommendations for changes that prevent abuses, provide protections for innocent persons, and ensure that law enforcement has the enforcement tools it needs to fight illegal drugs. The Maryland State's Attorneys, Chiefs of Police, and Sheriff's Associations all supported Governor Hogan's veto of this legislation.
Final Thoughts
This year was successful not only in the fact that we defeated a lot of very bad legislation, but we have redirected the conversation from the Governor's bully pulpit. Discussions on regulatory reform, accountability in government, tax cuts and fee reductions are now the norm rather than the old tax and spend policies of the last administration. Unfortunately, there is still great resistance by many Democrats to give Marylanders any tax relief. I will continue to support Governor Hogan in his efforts to make Maryland a better place to live, retire and have a business.
I am also concerned about the many attempts to take away the long standing powers of the Governor to determine priorities in areas such as Transportation and spending. I believe that the voters in Maryland clearly choose Governor Hogan to deliver on his campaign promises and he will continue to deliver, despite the resistance in the Legislature.
After an invigorating and exhausting 90-day Session, I am glad to be home in beautiful Carroll County. We plan to schedule a tour for Governor Hogan in Carroll County as soon as he is able to clear his desk in Annapolis. Thanks to all of you who have contacted me, I appreciate you taking the time. Your feedback and involvement is critical to my continued successful service.
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Thanks for your support over the last year,
