January 28th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The General Assembly is making gun control a priority this year, after the U.S. Supreme Court in June struck down gun permit restrictions similar to Maryland’s. The Gun Safety Act of 2023 is speeding through the legislative process with a second hearing scheduled for Feb. 7, and at least two other bills are pending.

The act, SB 0001, is expected to cause heated debate. Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher, D-Montgomery, and then Sen. Susan Lee, D-Montgomery, who recently was appointed secretary of state, sponsored the bill.

The proposal would prohibit an individual from knowingly wearing, carrying or transporting a firearm onto another person's property without consent. It would also prohibit anyone from wearing, carrying or transporting a firearm within 100 feet of certain places of public accommodation, specifically “sensitive” places, such as restaurants, lodging areas, stadiums or retailers, according to the filed bill.