ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP/WBOC)- A Maryland Senate committee has approved a sweeping gun control measure.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 7-4 late Thursday night in favor of Senate Bill 281, which is a top priority of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda. The vote sends the legislation to the full Senate for debate next week.
In one of the biggest changes, the legislation would prohibit someone from owning a handgun if he or she has been involuntarily committed for mental health reasons.
The committee wrangled over how to address gun ownership for people who are voluntarily committed. But they did not arrive at a consensus to change the current law, which prohibits them from owning a gun if they were voluntarily in a mental hospital for more than 30 days.
To view Senate Bill 281 in its entirety, click here.
