January 31st, 2018 by WCBC Radio

This week, Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel (R – District 1A), announced a bill that would allow law enforcement in Western Maryland to resell firearms that have been seized or forfeited.

In Maryland, firearms may be confiscated from individuals without proper licensing or those who have committed violent crimes. After they take possession, law enforcement offices may destroy the weapons, add them to their inventory, or send them to another law enforcement office. Since many forfeited weapons are unsuitable or do not meet law enforcement standards, most are destroyed.

Delegate Beitzel’s bill would allow law enforcement in Maryland’s five western counties to sell these weapons to federally licensed firearms dealers. This would generate revenue for law enforcement to improve services while still keeping the firearms out of dangerous hands.

As chairman of the Western Maryland Delegation, Delegate Beitzel has taken the lead to sponsor this bill at the request of Sherriff Craig Robertson of Allegany County. The bill will be introduced on the House of Delegates floor and assigned a committee within the next few weeks. Those interested in submitting testimony may contact Delegate Beitzel’s office for assistance.