Support HB4 - Public Safety - Rifles and Shotguns - Secondary Transactions
HB4is one of the bills on our
2020 Agenda and was heard by the House Judiciary Committee yesterday. Please take action as described. We have included the emails for the committee members at the bottom of the email for your convenience.
Current Maryland law prohibits the possession of any firearms-including handguns, rifles and shotguns-by people with dangerous histories, including people who have been convicted of crimes of violence, domestic abusers, and those who have been made subject to an Extreme Risk Protective Order because they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Background checks are the most effective way to keep guns out of the hands of those who are legally prohibited from having them. Yet, federal law only requires a background check on guns sold by licensed gun dealers, creating a dangerous loophole that leaves unlicensed gun sales, like those negotiated over the internet or at gun shows, unregulated and unchecked.
For two decades, Maryland law has partially addressed this loophole by requiring a background check on all handgun sales in the state, including sales by unlicensed sellers. But a gap in Maryland law makes it easy for prohibited purchasers to buy rifles and shotguns from unlicensed sellers with no background check and no
questions asked.
Maryland should close this dangerous loophole by requiring a background check for all rifle and shotgun sales.
We strongly urge you to contact members of the House Judiciary Committee to register your support for HB4.
Email addresses for the Judicary Committee members (cut and paste into your email application):
The Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) is a statewide coalition of women's groups and individuals formed to provide a non-partisan, independent, voice for Maryland women and families. The group advocates for progressive legislation and policy that promotes and protects the well being of Maryland women and their families and provides them opportunities to develop their full potential.
Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women
c/o 305 W. Chesapeake Avenue #201
Towson, Maryland 21204
