Posted on 08/12/2012 12:56:02 PM PDT by neverdem
ANNAPOLIS — Responding to a court decision that could scrap the state law requiring concealed-carry permit applicants to provide "good and substantial reason" for needing firearms, a Baltimore lawmaker wants to require handgun owners to complete a training course.
Sen. William C. Ferguson IV, a Democrat, introduced a bill Thursday that would require the training and prohibit permit holders from carrying guns in places like churches, bars and movie theaters.
He said the bill is aimed at ensuring permit holders are responsible arms owners. An April U.S. District Court ruling could increase availability of state gun permits by removing the requirement for applicants to prove they need a gun for work or protection from a specific documented threat.
The ruling is currently shelved until the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals hears the case in October.
"I think gun advocates and folks in favor of gun control should both agree that if you're going to carry a gun and it's concealed, you certainly should be trained with it beforehand," he said.
Maryland law does not currently require handgun-permit applicants to get training. The bill would require applicants to complete training six months before requesting a permit, but would exempt law enforcement and military members.
Mr. Ferguson's bill is unlikely to pass during the special session, which is expected to end Tuesday and will focus almost entirely on bills to expand gambling and protect pit bull owners.
The senator said he hopes to at least start a discussion that could lead to a work group on the issue this fall and legislation next year.
Delegate Michael D. Smigiel Sr., Cecil Republican, said there has been bipartisan interest in requiring handgun training if the district court ruling is upheld. However, Mr. Smigiel has some issues with Mr. Ferguson's bill and is expected...
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
I am sure the criminal element from Baltimore will run right out and sign up for those gun classes.
Baltimore and PG County are the two biggest criminal zones in our state and this clown wants to help his criminal friends keep honest people from getting a gun permit.
... for your consideration.
... for your consideration.
I am certain that the illegals and gang bangers in Baltimore City, PG County, etc. will comply. /s
Wonder if the rats in the insane asylm that is the State House in Annapolis carry.
I would like to see legislation that bodyguards and off-duty police have no more right to carry than a regular citizen does.
Libs are beyond retarded. Rock-like in intelligence, as in none at all. Actually, rocks are smarter because at least they exist in the real world. They should dub this the “maximize slaughter of innocents in churches, bars and movie theaters” bill.
suggested by a baltimoron?
I can see all the criminal element in Maryland lining up to take their gun safety course. Yea, right, sure sure~!!
Idiot Rats never learn. If they did they would know that LAWS don’t prevent crime.
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Free people should make plans to leave this state. As i am.
Free people should make plans to leave this state. As i am.
Back when we were having hearings on shall-issue in Minnesota, a Minneapolis police chief testified to a legislative committee that he didn't care if someone was chasing you down the street with an ax, that didn't demonstrate "need".“....requiring concealed-carry permit applicants to provide “good and substantial reason” for needing firearms....”Whaaat? Isn’t the high crime rate good enough reason for CC?
Meanwhile, we had a number of out-state sheriffs who operated under a policy that having to travel to Minneapolis constituted need, in and of itself.
Outrageous.
So, it wasn’t bad enough to have a “waiting period” while they check out your bio.
Now, before we even ask, we have to show we had “training” 6 months prior?
And you’re forcing us to purchase training, now? Just like baby seats. Force us to put money in the pockets of those “evil companies” you hate so much - how ironic. Of course, I’m sure MD will get a cut of the expense....
Will this be required EVERY SINGLE time we want to purchase a new firearm? More redundant training?
(BTW, when I purchased a firearm way back just before that nonsense about needing registration, I had basic simple training included. That probably is not enough for this guy.)
90% of Merrylanders are flaming commie demonrats! They wouldn’t know freedom if it bit them in the a$$!They wait to see what the Dear leader tells them to do!
90% of Merrylanders are flaming commie demonrats! They wouldn’t know freedom if it bit them in the a$$!They wait to see what the Dear leader tells them to do!
Too bad.
Too bad.
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