Watch CBS News

Md. Senate Passes Gun Control Measure 28-19

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—Maryland is a step closer to enacting some of the strictest gun control legislation in the country.

The Maryland Senate passed an amended bill that keeps the governor's original plan for gun control intact.

Political reporter Pat Warren explains the fight isn't over yet.

Since their rally Feb. 6, gun advocates have continued to protest what they believe is a violation of their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

And those arguments were echoed in the Senate chamber Thursday.

"We are taking that right away from law-abiding citizens," argued Senator Nancy Jacobs, (R) Harford County.

In marathon sessions, the senate amended and passed the Firearms Safety Act of 2013 28-19.

"You know if you have a gun you're not going to be happy with the bill," said Senate President Mike Miller after the vote.

"I'm very proud of the Maryland State Senate for finding common ground for the common good of reducing gun violence," Governor Martin O'Malley told WJZ.

The bill imposes new licensing fees and regulations, including fingerprinting.

It bans assault-type weapons and magazines with more than 10 rounds.

"The rural areas, they don't care for this bill at all. In the urban areas think it's very important for public safety and protection against personal violence," Miller said.

Enacting the policy may be even more complicated than getting the House of Delegates to pass it and governor to sign it into law. There could be court challenges and a referendum on the horizon.

House committees will hear the bill Friday. Marylanders representing both sides of the issue plan to rally.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.