{"id":161495,"date":"2022-03-30T11:59:11","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T15:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=161495"},"modified":"2022-03-30T11:59:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T04:37:04","slug":"maryland-poised-to-enact-ghost-guns-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/maryland-poised-to-enact-ghost-guns-ban\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Poised to Enact ‘Ghost Guns’ Ban"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) will have the opportunity to sign a bill banning so-called \u201cghost guns\u201d after the state House this week passed the \u201cUntraceable Firearms Bill” by a vote of 92-41. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Senate had already approved the measure earlier this month, 35-11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Untraceable Firearms Bill, also known as SB 387<\/a>, requires all firearms made after Oct. 22, 1968, to have a serial number etched into them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also alters the definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d to include certain gun parts and kits, bans the sale of \u201cghost guns\u201d starting on June 1, 2022, and bans the mere possession of \u201cghost guns\u201d starting on March 1, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Violators face a misdemeanor charge that carries up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE ALSO: Franklin Armory Says Binary Triggers Still Federally Legal<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“These untraceable firearms have become the weapon of choice for criminals,” Attorney General Brian E. Frosh said in a statement<\/a>. “They are easily purchased over the internet without a background check, making them easily accessible to children, violent felons, domestic abusers, and others who are ineligible to own a firearm.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This bill closes a loophole that makes it difficult for law enforcement to do its job and creates a terrible public safety threat,” Frosh continued. \u201cThis legislation will save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Oliva, the director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, told GunsAmerica via email that the firearms industry trade association is urging Gov. Hogan to veto the legislation as it puts “onerous burdens on firearm retailers and doesn\u2019t do anything to improve public safety. “<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Bureau of Justice Statistics consistently shows that criminals obtain their firearms through theft or the black market,” explained Oliva. “Criminals are known to obliterate markings on stolen guns and those illegally trafficked on the black market.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oliva noted other issues with the SB 387:<\/p>\n\n\n\n