Gun-control Measures Heard In Md. Senate Committee

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Supporters say it plugs loopholes in Maryland's gun laws.

Opponents call it an attack on the second amendment.

Alex DeMetrick reports, both sides are fighting it out in Annapolis.

The backers of Senate bills to expand Maryland gun laws chanted their goals.

The bills would require long gun sales undergo the same background check as handguns.

That police investigate failed background checks, so called lie and try offenses.

And that those convicted of domestic violence surrender their guns to law enforcement or federally licensed gun dealers.

"It's a problem that doesn't exist," said Wayne Croft, who opposes the gun bill. "They're looking for a solution to a problem that doesn't exist."

Opponents to the bills say enough gun laws are in place and so called loopholes closers are an attack on Second Amendment protections.

"We're going to stop when we get to a death toll of Zero in the state of Maryland," said Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery County). "That's when we're going to stop."

"They're trying to put long guns on the federal level," said Croft. "That the ATF says aren't firearms -- black powder rifles for instance."

But not all gun owners are opposed.

"And can you imagine the kind of damage you can do with a shotgun in a closed space," said Don Singleton, a gun owner.

And it was a shotgun that was used in the murder of 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard in 2013.

While opponents want to stop the legislation, backers feel the motivation for a win.

"The outcome will be lives saved in Maryland," said Jennifer Stapleton, with Moms Demand Gun Action. "There will be less dangerous people to have guns and there will be less deaths."

The gun laws are still in the committee hearing phase of this year's legislative session.