February 14th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Republican state lawmakers in Maryland are pushing a package of crime-fighting bills that they hope will pass, unlike in previous years. The Senate Republican Caucus said its crime package is designed to address violent crime and hold repeat violent offenders accountable. Democrats and Republicans agree there is a serious gun problem, but they don't see eye to eye on how to address it. Topping the GOP wish list is the Gun Violence Accountability Act which would increase the penalties for illegally possessing a firearm from three to five years. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, beginning his third term in the General Assembly, said it is frustrating to see these efforts to get tough on crime blocked by Democrats every session…

Senate President Bill Ferguson said that all of the bills will be considered- but did not leave the door open for compromise. He said a plan that only attempts to solve the problem with penalties is a failure…