The Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after the Maryland Senate passed legislation requiring background checks on all rifle and shotgun sales in Maryland. The legislation now heads to the Maryland House of Delegates, and likely onto a conference committee.
“This vote marks a new milestone in the fight to keep our families safe from gun violence,” said Danielle Veith, a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action. “After the disappointment of last session, we refuse to stand by and watch our elected officials let Maryland communities down again. As this bill moves forward, we hope lawmakers will have the courage to stand up for what’s right and fight for the strongest bill possible.”
Last session, volunteers with Maryland Moms Demand Action spent countless hours urging lawmakers to pass comprehensive background check legislation. However, efforts to close Maryland’s dangerous background check loophole were blocked when since-departed Senate leadership ran out the clock.
Under current Maryland law, sales of rifles and shotguns by unlicensed sellers do not require a background check. That makes it easy for convicted felons, domestic abusers and other people who are legally prohibited from having guns to obtain these deadly weapons from unlicensed sellers through sales arranged online or at gun shows. For more than two decades, Maryland law has required background checks on all handgun sales.
About Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown for Gun Safety is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly six million supporters and more than 375,000 donors including moms, mayors, survivors, students, and everyday Americans who are fighting for common-sense gun safety measures that can help save lives. Learn more at www.everytown.org and follow us @Everytown.
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action is the nation’s largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence. Moms Demand Action is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization with nearly six million supporters and more than 375,000 donors. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. There is a Moms Demand Action chapter in every state of the country and more than 700 local groups across the country. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand