In its original form, SB 281 was a convoluted, vague and confusing piece of legislation which was never formally reviewed by the Maryland State Police. Informal advice from knowledgeable persons was ignored. Subsequent amendments in the Committees as well as in the Senate and House only served to make SB 281 even more confusing. All amendments which could have improved the bill language were rejected out of hand.

In its final form, SB 281 is a dysfunctional patchwork quilt of gun bans, licensing of law-abiding citizens, training, increased reporting requirements for licensed dealers, additional concealed carry permit restrictions, hunting laws, and token mental health legislation. In more rational times, SB 281 would never have passed in Committee, let alone become law.

With the passage of SB 281 in the Maryland General Assembly, we were faced with the difficult task of choosing the best strategy to undo the damage done to the Constitutional Rights of Maryland's law abiding citizens. In the most basic terms our options were to either petition SB 281 to a referendum in 2014, or pursue litigation to address the most onerous and unconstitutional provisions in the bill. After very careful research and thoughtful consideration, we came to the unanimous conclusion that litigation was preferable to a referendum.

Therefore, we are moving forward with the NRA to pursue redress of our grievances in the Courts. As you know, litigation is a very costly endeavor. The NRA cannot and should not bear the full financial lawsuits filed on our behalf. This is our fight! You came thru with "boots on the ground", letters, phone calls and over 1,566,000 emails. You stood with us against the tyranny of the left, and we know that you will stand with us now.

Take Back Maryland, a new statewide Political Action Committee (PAC) has been formed as means to raise the necessary funds defend our rights as well as support Pro-2nd Amendment candidates in the 2014 Election.