Gun control laws have been passed in the state of Maryland
(New York Times Upfront)
On Wednesday, April 12, a number of gun control laws passed the General Assembly in Maryland right before the end of the session. The lawmakers in the state of Maryland have been looking to pass these laws for some time now, trying to prevent gun violence within the state.
This new law prohibits firearms if:
- On supervised probation of a crime that has a max penalty of a year or more
- On supervised probation of a DUI
- On any type of supervision of a probation for violating a protective order.
- Violators can face up to a year in prison along with a $1,000 dollar fee if the law is broken.
The law itself restricts where firearms are allowed to be, which receives mixed opinions from Maryland citizens. However, it could provide more safety to public areas or crowded areas where people tend to be more often. On the other hand, outraged Marylanders are claiming that this new law violates their second amendment.
The general assembly also voted to make gun storage laws in order for minors to have less access to guns. Some feel these laws will not do much in terms of keeping Marylanders safe.
“Personally, I feel like it won’t make much of a difference because if you realize that we live in a state where there is mainly violence and guns all over do you really think a few laws might change that? People will continue to use and bring guns illegally, but that’s just from my perspective” stated Andrew Gainey.
With this in mind, other state residents feel a bit differently about the gun control laws.
“It isn’t much of an improvement, but it’s a start in the right direction,” said Leslie Cruz-Hidalgo. “Especially for areas where lots of people usually rally up at such as concerts, car meets, community events, etc, it could really make those areas with high amounts of people safer from shootings.”
Other residents aren’t so happy about the new regulations.“It’s not a bad thing, honestly it’s a good thing for making more regulations, but it’s something that should be thought about.” stated Mr. Gainey
Maryland state governor Wes Moore (D) had a few words to say of his own about the situation.
“I think we have to address the fact that we have illegal guns that are flooding into our neighborhoods, and we have to address the facts that there is no reason for people to be bringing firearms into hospitals and churches,” said Moore in an ABC 7 news article.
Additionally, the Maryland State Assembly increased the gun fees in order to discourage people from buying weapons. This is an act that has not been in since 1992. Furthermore, the gun control laws do bring its pros and cons to the state, but only more can be said as the time progresses on how these new laws hold up.
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Patrice Murrell • May 6, 2023 at 5:38 pm
That is a start. Proud of Maryland for doing something! Hopefully we can go further with the gun control!
Arleen Smith • May 6, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Do u really think people care about these laws
What is these laws going to do for people not on probation. Everybody is not a criminal.
Mark Thompson • May 6, 2023 at 10:59 am
This will do absolutely nothing to improve safety for law abiding citizens! There are laws on the books now that says it’s illegal to shoot anyone with out cause. The criminal will not abide by these new laws and anyone with a brain knows this. These new laws makes it more difficult for a law abiding citizen to protect themselves.
Ron Lutz • May 6, 2023 at 9:45 am
Do you think the criminals will abide by gun laws? The answer is NO! So the honest law abiding person with a concealed carry permit will not take his gun there to avoid breaking the law, but the bad guy doesn’ care about laws!
A. Miklos • May 6, 2023 at 7:30 am
These laws will make public spaces, such as concerts, local events, theaters, etc., more vulnerable. People with mental health issues, gangs, or cartels will ignor these state laws. There is also no way to prevent evil from purchasing guns outside of the state and bringing them in. It does, however, prevent law abiding citizens from self protection
erik young • May 6, 2023 at 7:04 am
This is NOT a move in the right direction.
If criminals broke the laws that were previously in place, what makes you think they would magically abide by this new law?.
Law abiding citizens are going through the proper channels to LEGALLY carry a firearm, and that’s what’s being infringed.
Almost as if you break the law…you’re not the focus, but if you abide by the law..YOU’RE the target smh.
George • May 6, 2023 at 6:57 am
Does NOTHING to stop crime. Criminals will carry….and use …
guns irregardless of what the law tells them to do. This only penalizes law abiding citizens carrying guns for self protection. The general assembly has made us LESS SAFE. BACK TO SCOTUS…
Matt • May 6, 2023 at 6:10 am
This writer needs a good lesson on sentence structure.
PHS Staff • May 12, 2023 at 9:19 am
We would like to remind you that this is a high school news publication. While our student reporters strive to produce the best articles they can, they are students who are still learning the ins and outs of the wonders of journalism. You may want to consider how you speak about hard-working students in the future. Your comment criticizing children says a lot more about you than it does about their sentence structure.
Norita Moreland • May 5, 2023 at 9:14 pm
So who is gonna raise the fees for the criminals that buy their guns off the street? Oh wait a minute this doesn’t mean anything to them they get theirs illegally. So again let’s penalize the gun owners that do it by the law. Way to go Maryland you just gave a green flag for the criminals with illegal guns kudos to you.