The Maryland General Assembly opened the 2022 Legislative Session Wednesday and there are already a small handful of gun bills. Testimony will begin this coming week with HB30, a bill aimed at banning guns in polling sites or within 100 feet of such sites. That bill is scheduled to be heard 1/19 at 1:00pm at the House Ways and Means Committee. More details on that bill and how to testify are below in the next section.
Like prior years, there will be bills introduced to criminalize or otherwise restrict the possession and creation of privately made firearms. This is a top priority of Attorney General Brian Frosh, who is working with Delegate Lopez and Senator Lee. Our president, Mark Pennak, was quoted in The Maryland Daily Record about our opposition to the bills. The language of those bills is not yet available as of this writing, but we will of course track it and make you aware as soon as it is filed.
Expect to see more updates like this one as we get further into session and if the right to keep and bear arms is to be protected in Maryland, it is of utmost importance to keep engaged, educate others, speak with your lawmakers, and of course, testify.
Joining helps MSI promote these rights and ensures that we're able to continue our advocacy.
HB30: Election Law - Polling Sites - Firearms Prohibitions
HB30 - Election Law - Polling Sites - Firearms Prohibitions
MSI Opposes HB30 - Testimony
Hearing scheduled for 1/19 at 1:00p
Signup to testify on 1/17 between 8am and 3pm with your MyMGA Account
For more on how to testify and signup, read our guide.
HB30 would ban the otherwise lawful possession of a firearm within 100 feet of a polling place during elections. No state has ever enacted such bill. The bill's ban would thus extend to possession in residences falling within 100 feet or in a vehicle that happens to be driving by. It creates more gun-free zones that research shows actually attract mass shooters. The bill offers no exemptions for carry permit holders who would have to park beyond 100 feet and leave their self-defense gun in the vehicle (where it is vulnerable to theft). The bill is also unnecessary in that most of the polling locations within the state are in government or public school buildings where state and/or local laws already prohibit firearms. For a more in-depth look, be sure to read our testimony.
