Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Smigiel’s Regulated Firearms Reciprocity Bill Introduced Again

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Smigiel’s Regulated Firearms Reciprocity Bill Introduced Again

Delegate Mike Smigiel Press Release

Contact: Andi Morony January 20, 2010
410-490-2734

For Immediate Release

Smigiel’s Regulated Firearms Reciprocity Bill Introduced Again

Delegate Mike Smigiel has re-filed a reciprocity bill for concealed carry permits from contiguous states. “In reflecting on the recent tragedy in Tuscon it is important to realize that one of the men who helped to disarm the gunman possesses a concealed carry permit. Joe Zamudio helped to restrain the gunman while others took his gun and ammunition. Mr. Zamudio was carrying a concealed weapon at the time he ran towards the gunman and you have to ask yourself, would he have felt as comfortable helping to restrain the gunman if he was not armed himself?”

HB 9 would allow for citizens from Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to travel to Maryland and contribute to the economy with the freedom to carry the the weapons they were issued permits for in their home state. Neighboring states currently recognize firearm and concealed carry permits from other states. Delegate Smigiel has received numerous letters and testimony in support of the reciprocity law from Maryland citizens as well as citizens from neighboring states. “Maryland recognizes out of state driver’s licenses and even though Maryland does not issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, the Attorney General has opined that Maryland would have to recognize same sex marriages performed in other states. So if we recognize out of state drivers licenses and may have to recognize same sex marriage licenses from other states, then why wouldn’t we recognize a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm from another state as well?” asked Delegate Smigiel.

Delegate Smigiel is very optimistic about House Bill 9 this session, “HB 52 was a victory in that it was the first time a pro concealed carry bill was able to get out of the Committee Chairman’s drawer for a vote even though it eventually lost in an 11-10 vote in the Judiciary committee. I was proud of the widespread support which this legislation gained last year and expect HB 9 will continue to gain momentum during this session,”said Delegate Smigiel.

One of the first hearings in Judiciary Committee this session will be on HB 9 which is scheduled to be heard on January 25th at 1PM. Citizens can now watch the hearings online at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011RS/hearsch/committee-hearings-index.htm. “The opportunity for citizens to be able to get involved in watching legislative hearings provides a level of transparency that I am excited to see,” says Delegate Smigiel.

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