Upcoming Legislation In Maryland Has Gun Owners Outraged

MARYLAND - Maryland gun owners are worried about two big bills that will be discussed at the state capital next week. 

House Bill 612 aims to place AR-15 HBAR rifles as a "regulated firearm."  If passed by the house, the law would only grandfather in rifles purchased after October 1, 2013. Those purchased after 2013 would have to be returned. 

"It all comes down to really them wanting to know what you have and the ones you bought before 13 are registered," Winks Sporting Goods Manager Jamie Wink said. 

Wink says the legislation would not only be bad for gun owners, but would put his business in jeopardy.

Wink is also concerned about another bill, Senate Bill 737. That bill would place more requirements on long gun owners and their licenses. The language proposed by lawmakers is very similar to a bill passed in 2013 on handgun regulations. 

"Handguns were a small part of my business, long guns are like 75-percent of my business so if it shuts those sales off, you know, we're supporting five families here," Wink said. 

But those like Jaamad Gould, a chair with the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus, believe businesses should be able to make adjustments if these laws are passed. 

"There are boatloads of guns. I'm confident that any business owner that knows how to adapt with time can change up their inventory to fit these regulations and still make a good profit," Gould said.

Gould stressed that gun owners should have public safety in mind. 

"If these are the laws, these are the regulations and these laws are put into place for public safety, how can you be against them as a responsible gun owner?" Gould said. 

The bills will both be heard in judiciary committee hearings next week in Annapolis.  Gun owners like Wink say they're planning to make the trip to the state capital to express their opposition for these bills. 

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