As a bill sponsor, I try to describe what my bill would do in a straightforward (no legal terms) manner that is readily understandable to a fellow legislator or a constituent.

“To support House Bill 259,” I told the Judiciary Committee members this afternoon, “You have to answer two questions.”

Should the State of Maryland hold gun manufacturers liable for the harm caused by their product?

Does the bill before you allow such lawsuits within the limited set of circumstances permitted by the relevant federal law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act?

I answered both questions with a Yes.

What matters is the response of a majority of the committee.

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Governor Wes Moore, in his State of the State address today, declared, “Service is how we re-engage our people in the project of forming a more perfect state.”

If proof were needed as to how important a year of service opportunity is to the new governor, that makes it very clear.