Moms Demand Action Applauds Maryland Lawmakers for Passing Background Checks Legislation

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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 House of Delegates passed legislation requiring background checks on all rifle and shotgun sales in Maryland. The legislation now heads to Governor Hogan’s desk.

“We’re now one signature away from major progress for public safety,” said Danielle Veith, a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Requiring a background check on rifles and shotguns sales will save lives. This legislation is a huge step forward, but it’s certainly not the end of the road for gun safety in Maryland.”

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 rifles and shotguns from unlicensed sellers through sales arranged online or at gun shows.

In addition to efforts this session to see the legislation passed, volunteers with Maryland Moms Demand Action spent countless hours last session urging lawmakers to pass comprehensive background check legislation. Earlier this session, the Maryland House of Delegates passed legislation—championed by Del. Vanessa Atterbary—that included a comprehensive background check requirement that would ensure checks for all rifle and shotgun transfers—whether permanent or temporary, with or without consideration.

After amendments made in the Judicial Proceedings Committee, the legislation passed today exempts loans of rifles and shotguns from the background check requirement. As already seen with handguns, these amendments will make it harder to prosecute those who violate the background check law by illegally selling or purchasing firearms. Maryland Moms Demand Action will continue to call on lawmakers to close remaining loopholes in state law, including these gaps exempting loans of handguns, assault weapons, rifles and shotguns from the state’s background check laws.

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