Issue Position: Gun Control and Public Safety

Issue Position

The need for gun control in our nation as whole can not be overstated. Maryland has a record and reputation as a state with strict control laws, however, there is still more to be done to keep our residents safe. I support HB1646/SB1036, a bill to prevent those convicted of domestic violence from keeping firearms in their possession, and providing a mechanism for tracking the safe and legal surrender of weapons by those who have been convicted of such a disqualifying crime. Reasons to support such a bill are numerous, among them:

Of the total lives lost in 2016, 18 of the 55 people killed due to domestic violence lived in Prince George's County, according to Maryland Network of Domestic Violence's most recent study. That is twice as many deaths due to Domestic Violence as any other county in Maryland. Based on this statistic, HB 1646/SB 1036 would have the greatest impact for victims of domestic violence residing in Prince George's County. I am committed to reducing this statistic and helping families access the services they need to escape abuse.
According to a report by the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund entitled Deadly Calls and Fatal Encounters, police calls related to domestic disputes and domestic-related incidents represented the highest number of fatal types of calls for police officers. With this in mind, HB 1646/SB 1036 serves as much to protect police officers as it does to protect citizens of the community who may be impacted by domestic abusers.
It is my hope that this legislation passes this session and goes into effect as soon as possible. With a place in the Marylad General Assembly, I would sponsor and support tough gun legislation, including raising the age of legal purchase, and solidify our state as a leader in efforts to stem the tide of gun violence. Further, I would be mindful of the NRA and gun lobbyists working to circumvent or modify the safeguards already in place.

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