"Fix" for the "Not So Free" State's
Ballistic Fingerprinting
Scheme?
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"...While NRA is encouraged to see the
'de facto ban' problem being addressed, our ultimate goal remains
the repeal of this onerous law..." |
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A temporary "fix" has been approved to alleviate one problem
caused by Maryland's "ballistic fingerprinting" requirement - a law
that went into effect last October and has amounted to
a de facto
ban on the sale of new handguns in the state. The new law
requires all handgun manufacturers to fire every handgun intended
for sale in Maryland, and forward the shell casings to the State
Police.
Gun makers who are not equipped to comply with the law
have not been able to supply Maryland's gun dealers with their
handguns since October 1, 2000, causing the supply available to
law-abiding citizens to dry up. The quick-fix - orchestrated by the
primary architect of the "ballistic fingerprinting" requirement,
Maryland's Speaker of the House Casper Taylor, Jr.
(D-Allegany) - will allow Maryland's gun dealers to sell
"non-fingerprinted" handguns if they take them to the State
Police, who will fire them and collect the shell casings. A fee
of $20.00 will be charged for each handgun - a cost that will be
passed on to the consumer.
In effect, this "solution" replaces a
de facto ban with a de facto tax on all handguns. The new system
is not expected to be in place for another 60 days, and will
operate for only six months.
While NRA is encouraged to see the
"de facto ban" problem being addressed, our ultimate goal remains
the repeal of this onerous law. Please contact your State
Delegate and urge him to support HB 185 - Delegate Kevin Kelly's
(D-Allegany) legislation to repeal Maryland's "ballistic
fingerprinting" requirement.
In addition, March 1, is the date
set for hearings on legislation that seeks to tax all ammunition
purchases. Make plans to attend the hearings and express your
opposition to HB 1125. The hearings will be held on Tuesday,
March 1, at 1:00 p.m., by the House of Delegates Ways and Means
Committee, in Room 110 of the State Capitol. Also be sure to call
your State Delegate and urge him to oppose HB 1125. You can reach
your State Delegate by calling (410) 841-3000. For those on the
Internet, you can find contact information for your lawmakers by
going to NRAILA.org, and using the "Write Your Reps" tool.
Related Stories...
Maryland Law Creates "de facto BAN" On Handguns
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