“This is a big day for all of us.”
We had just overridden Governor Hogan’s veto of House Bill 1343, Public Safety – Handgun Permit Review Board – Repeal.
This story begins in the fall of 2017.
I asked Alice Wilkerson, the lobbyist for Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, if there were any issues that needed to be addressed with legislation.
“One of our members has been monitoring the Handgun Permit Review Board,” she informed me, “and the new gubernatorial appointees are reversing a significant number of the decisions made by the State Police that denied a license to carry.”
We decided to introduce a bill that would eliminate the Board and have administrative law judges handle appeals of State Police decisions instead.
But since I was not on the Judiciary Committee, where the bill would be assigned, I would not introduce the bill.
Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, a member of the committee and now its vice chair, would do that. I would be listed second on the sponsor line, followed by the other co-sponsors in alphabetical order.
Our bill passed the House but was watered down by the Senate.
Last year, both houses passed HB 1343, which eliminated the Board and gave jurisdiction over appeals to administrative law judges.
Today, we overrode Governor Hogan’s veto.
Leaving the chamber, I saw Alice Wilkerson and several members of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence.
“This is a big day for all of us,” I said.
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Next Tuesday is the primary election for the 7th Congressional District seat vacated by the untimely death of Elijah Cummings.
I have endorsed my 41st District colleague, State Senator Jill Carter.
I have served with Jill for nearly two decades. She is a fighter – for good causes. She will be a great voice for all of the people of the 7th District.
She has earned your support.
