WASHINGTON – The tough gun control bill passed last month by the Maryland General Assembly has something in it for backers of gun-rights. A provision in the bill shields from public view state gun records that are currently public.
The Baltimore Sun reports the changed was pushed for by gun-rights advocates during the intense debate.
Sen Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery County, tells the Sun that records access “is a very hotly contested issue in and of itself.”
The new bill, called the Firearm Safety Act of 2013, would ban Maryland State Police from releasing the names of people who apply to purchase guns, hold collector’s licenses and concealed-carry permits.
The bill, which is awaiting the Gov. Martin O’Malley’s signature, also bans more than 45 different kinds of weapons, limits ammo clips to 10 rounds and orders new background checks on gun buyers.
O’Malley says he will sign the bill. Opponents plan a legal battle over the law.
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