ASSOCIATED GUN CLUBS OF BALTIMORE, INC.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 6, 2013
P.O. BOX 20102 - TOWSON, MD 21284-0102
410-296-3947 Email: LVP@ASSOCIATEDGUNCLUBS.ORG
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Greetings!
Please forgive the length of this report.
When this email was originally written, it was with the expectation that the MSP's failure to published the proposed COMAR regulations today as promised, would be the major story.
Now, even more troubling news has come to our attention. We have reliable reports that the Governor's office has ordered the Maryland State Police to distribute 77R application forms to various government agencies for data input over this weekend. See more information below.
Do you need another reason why you should support Take Back Maryland?
Legal battles are costly, but so are election campaigns. You can help us avoid future legal battles by helping elect good candidates in the 2014 Election Campaigns.
Support Take Back Maryland.
Take Back Maryland, a new statewide Political Action Committee (PAC), was formed as means to enable Maryland gun owners to raise the necessary funds to support Pro-2nd Amendment candidates in the 2014 Election.
NOTE:
New list members can view previous emails in our email Archives. Click here.
John H. Josselyn
Legislative Vice President
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Governor Compromises the Privacy of Thousands of Maryland Citizens
We have confirmed earlier reports that on orders from Governor O'Malley, the Maryland State Police are sharing the personal information on 77R firearms purchase application forms with the following non-MSP government agencies: - Department of Human Resources (DHR)
- Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Public Safety
- Correctional Services of Department of General Services
This will impact no less than the 38 thousand Maryland citizens who are currently still waiting for the MSP to "Not Disapprove" their applications to purchase a regulated firearm. It is our information that state employees are being offered "comp time" to work this weekend doing data input. Other than a reported confidentiality agreement, there appears to be no effort to investigate the possible criminal backgrounds of these employees. These forms contain the applicant's name, address, date and place of birth, social security number as well as information on the firearm the applicant intends to purchase. The Maryland State Police have lost control of the Licensing Division. At this time, we will not publicly speculate on the Governor's political motivation for this action. |
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SB 281 - Proposed COMAR Regulations Not Yet Posted for Public Comment
When SB 281 became law, the various agencies charged with implementing/enforcing the law became responsible for writing the actual regulations which become a part of the Code of Maryland Regulation or COMAR. Because SB 281 is probably the most poorly crafted legislation ever signed into law, the Maryland State Police have been presented with may difficult problems in the language and the logistics of implementing SB 281.
In a perfect world, the language of COMAR would follow the language of the bill. This is not always the case; therefore the proposed COMAR regulations are first published in the Maryland Register for public review and comment.
Once published, proposed COMAR regulations are subject to a 30 day comment period during the 45 days after publication. However, so-called emergency regulations are not subject to public comment but expire 180 days after publication. Because even September 6th was less than 30 days before October 1st, the MSP needed a workaround. According to the AELR committee staff, the MSP planned to file identical COMAR regualtions, one as emergency regulations and the duplicate set as standard regulations subject to the 30 day public comment period.
The Maryland Register is published at 2 week intervals, so the next window of opportunity to publish the proposed COMAR regulations will be on Friday, September 20th.
AGC will has a dedicated Email System for sending comments to the State and the AELR Committee members. Links will become active when the proposed COMAR regulations are published.
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SB 281 Frequently Asked Questions - AGC Website Up to the Minute Answers
The situation is so fluid that what is true today at this writing may not be true tomorrow. In order to avoid bombarding our readers with daily updates we have posted a link on our website which provides access to the latest developments as they come to our attention. Click here for SB 281 FAQsIf you have questions or should you discover inaccurate and/or out of date information please notify us and we will do our best to update and or correct the posting as needed. Click here to report FAQ problems or suggest new questions needing answers. |
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Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHI)
The Qualified Handgun Instructor application system is still being tested and is currently expected to be online sometime in the middle of September.
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Handgun Qualification License (HQL) - Status Report
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Some weeks ago AGC and NRA participated in early Beta testing of the MSP's Handgun Qualification License application portal on the MSP's website. We were told that the applicant did not need to provide a picture (which will be where the NRA logo is on the sample to the right) because MSP would access the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) database and download the picture. When we questioned the security of our member's private informationm we were assured by Michael B. Roosa, (Chief Information Officer, Department of State Police, Office of State Police) that this would be a one way connection and the MVA would not have access to the applicant's personal information. Given that the Governor recently co-opted the the Department of Natural Resources' hunter database we are not confident that personal information will be keep confidential by the MSP. What is not being reported on the MSP website is that all applications must be paid for with either a credit card or bank card. No checks and no cash (Despite the Federal government's claim that U.S. paper currency is legal tender for all debts, public and private.).  The Handgun Qualification License (HQL) application system will be tested on or about September 11th and is scheduled on be available to the public on or about September 15th. Upon completion of whatever training course the MSP decides to approve, an applicant will then be eligible to apply for an HQL. During the 30 days the MSP has to process the application, the MSP will then email the instructor named by the applicant and request confirmation that the named applicant did successfully complete the training course. There is no time limit on how long the instructor has to respond or what will happen is the instructor is deployed, dies, etc. The applicant may also electronically upload a copy (jpeg, tiff, bmp, etc.) of the training certificate during the application process. How those who do not own a scanner, much less own a computer with internet access is a question yet to be answered.
From the MSP's website: (please note that some of this information may be incorrect and/or obsolete) Handgun Qualification License
Unless otherwise exempt, as of October 1, 2013, a person must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License before they may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. Details on exemptions may be found below.
Who Should Apply?
A person may not purchase, rent, or receive a handgun after October 1, 2013 unless they possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) issued by the Maryland State Police or qualify for exemption status.
Exceptions to possession of the HQL License
- A Licensed Firearms Manufacturer.
- Active law enforcement officer or a person retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States, the State, or a local law enforcement agency of the State.
- Active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and possesses a valid military identification card.
- A person purchasing, renting or receiving an antique, curio or relic as defined in federal law.
- Maryland licensed firearms dealers.
Required to have the HQL, but exempt from the training component
- Someone who completed a certified safety course.
- Has completed a course of instruction in the competency and safety of firearms as prescribed under Natural Resources Article, �10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. Application for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate can be obtained from here and may be used in lieu of Qualified Handgun Instruction.
- Is currently a qualified handgun instructor.
- Is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard.
- Is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by MSP.
- Lawfully owns a regulated firearm. If you already own a handgun or assault weapon prior to October 1, 2013, you do not have to complete the training to apply for the Handgun Qualification License
How to Apply
Beginning October 1, 2013, the Handgun Qualification License will be accessible online through MyLicense. For more information, visit our Automation page. (AGC Editor's note: Some of the target dates on the Automation page have already been missed.)
Within 3 years prior to the submission of an HQL application, an applicant must demonstrate a satisfactory completion of a Firearms Safety Training Course. The Firearms Safety Training Course must be instructed by a Qualified Handgun Instructor, and shall consist of a minimum of 4 hours of instruction and include the following minimum curricula:
(1) State Firearm Law. Overview of the State firearm laws, including discussion of what constitutes a regulated firearm, how to properly purchase or transfer a firearm, where allowed to carry or transport a firearm, when necessary to possess a carry permit, who is prohibited from possessing firearms, and state law relating to minors, permissible levels of force, and use of deadly force.
(2) Home Firearm Safety. Overview of handgun and firearm safety in the home, including discussion of access to minors, locking and storing of firearms, and use of safety devices, such as secure lock boxes.
(3) Handgun Mechanisms and Operation. Overview of the proper operation and safe handling of a handgun, including cleaning and maintenance, the loading and unloading of ammunition, and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns.
(4) Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation component that demonstrates the person's safe operation and handling of a firearm, to include a "live fire" component in which the applicant safely shoots the weapon. An applicant may not be required to fire in excess of 15 yards during qualifications.
PLEASE NOTE: THE INFORMATION FROM THE MSP's WEBSITE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND NOT ALL THE FEATURES LISTED ABOVE ARE FUNCTIONAL AT THIS TIME!
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Is Registering an Unregistered Handgun to Avoid HQL Training a Good Idea?
After October 1, 2013 any person who wishes to purchase or receive a handgun will need a Handgun Qualification License (HQL). SB 281 provided an exception to the HQL training requirement for those persons who already legally own a handgun. If the handgun you list on the HQL application is already registered to you with the Maryland State Police (MSP) there is no real impact.
However, suppose you have a handgun you obtained in a legal private sale prior to October 1, 1996 and the handgun is not registered to you with the MSP? Do you really want to register a "clean" handgun just to avoid taking a training course? This is a personal decision you need to carefully consider. Once a gun is registered, it is registered forever.
Registration is the first step toward confiscation. The final decision is up to you.
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Marylanders Invest Millions Buying Guns, But Little to Protect Gun Rights
Ask a typical gun owner to support the Take Back Maryland PAC, contribute to the NRA/ILA, or as happened at a recent gun show when the promoter asked for $2 donations to support the litigation on SB 281 and you get some very creative excuses. Usually, they involve not having enough money.
Really? Consider the following:- The Maryland State Police have received 85,141 applications to purchase a regulated firearm since January 1, 2013.
- 85,141 applications at $10 per application equals $851,140.00 in application fees
- 85,141 applications at an average of $500 per firearm equal $42,570,500.00
- $42,570,500 at 6% sales tax equals $2,554,230.00 in taxes
If these same people donated as much to protect their 2nd Amendment Rights as they spend on fees and taxes we would have Three Million Four Hundred Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Dollars ($3,405,370.00) to work with for litigation and the 2014 Elections. Think about it. Scroll down and Take Back Maryland.
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Obama's Executive Order Won't Destroy the Civilian Marksmanship Program
According to Orest Michael at the CMP, the actual Executive order (if it even currently exists) has not been made public. The order as reported, applies only to private imports of former US rifles issued to foreign countries.
The CMP does not receive firearms imported by private importers, US Army origin or not. All of the firearms the CMP receives come directly from the US Army. However, some firearms provided to foreign nations have been returned to the US Army and subsequently turned over to the CMP. For example, the Bavarian marked M-1 carbines on CMP's website.. |
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Carroll County Council Ends Gun Ban at County Landfills
The Carroll County Council voted to rescind the firearms prohibition at county landfills. AGC testified in support of removing the ban at the recent public hearing. It is now legal to transport a firearm through the Carroll County landfill in order to use the Hap Baker Firearms Facility. Sometimes logic does prevail.
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Utah Concealed Carry Permit Course 
IOTA Firearms & Security Training Academy
presents the
UTAH Non-Resident
Concealed Firearms Permit Course
Sunday, September 29, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
BALTIMORE COUNTY GAME & FISH
3400 Northwind Road │ Parkville, MD 21234
Course Fee $100 + Permit Fee $51
[Includes Onsite Services: Firearm Familiarity Certification, Fingerprinting,
Passport Photo, Photocopying, Shipping to Utah BCI, and light fare lunch]
For additional course and registration details:
410-462-4682 │ info@iotafast.com │www.iotafast.com |
John Lott to Speak on Dumbing Down the Courts
Author John Lott ( More Guns, Less Crime) will speak at the Carroll County Republican Central Committee's Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner on on Dumbing Down the Courts: How Politics Keeps the Smartest Judges Off the Bench. September 25, 2013 - Martin's Westminister - 6:00 PM Click here for event flyerNote: AGC is non-partisan.
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Beretta USA Donates 92FS Pistol To Take Back Maryland PAC 
Take Back Maryland, the state's premier 2nd Amendment Political Action Committee announced that Beretta USA has donated a 9mm Model 92FS pistol with 2 standard 15 round magazines. A drawing will be held in the near future and the pistol will be awarded to the winner. All persons who have joined the Take Back Maryland PAC are eligible. (Winner must be a Maryland resident and legally eligible to receive the pistol - no cash equivalent) (Magazine transfer will take place legally outside of Maryland per SB 281) Details to follow. Click here to join, and donate to Take Back Maryland PAC.
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TAKE BACK MARYLAND 2nd Amendment PAC
Maryland's Premier 2nd Amendment Political Action Committee (PAC) is now actively seeking new members and support.
Help us to Support and Defend the 2nd Amendment!
Click Here to Join & Support Take Back Maryland
Want to help but can't afford to make a large donation at this time? You can schedule periodic donations to Take Back Maryland on your credit card in any amount that suits your personal budget.
Take Back Maryland | PO Box 1346 | Laurel, MD 20725-1346
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Keep Your Email Address and Profile Up to Date!
You can update your email address and interest profile (sublists such as AGC Newsletter, Gun Shows, Bus Trips, Hunting, Concealed Carry, etc.) at any time by clicking on the "Join Email List Icon below. A as current list member, you will be sent an automated email asking you to log on to the server and update your information.
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John H. Josselyn, Legislative Vice President
Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, Inc.
P.O. Box 20102
Towson, MD 21284-0102
410-296-3947
Email: lvp@associatedgunclubs.org
Webpage: www.associatedgunclubs.org
Article 1. That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient. |
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