Montgomery County to review concealed carry ban proposal
Conceal carry bill debate
Lawmakers in Montgomery County held a hearing on a new bill that could restrict where owners of concealed carry permits can bring their guns in the county. Supporters say it's a step towards safety but opponents say it goes against a recent Supreme Court ruling. FOX 5's Tom Fitzgerald reports from Rockville.
ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Montgomery County Council is reviewing a proposal Monday about where people can carry guns in public places.
The bill was introduced back in July, amid an increase in gun violence in the county.
FOX 5's Ayesha Khan says the proposed law would restrict even permitted carriers from having a firearm within 100 yards of a public place. That includes places like the library.
Other places include public and private areas, like a park, a place of worship, a hospital, or a conference center.
Montgomery County to review concealed carry ban proposal
The Montgomery County Council is reviewing a proposal Monday about where people can carry guns in public places.
The bill is a response to a Supreme Court ruling back in June which struck down certain limitations on concealed carry permits.
Maryland's General Assembly isn't due back for its next session until January 2023 (when the state will have a new governor, as Hogan reaches his term limit.), and Democratic leadership has pledged to have gun restriction legislation on the docket.
The Montgomery County Council is basically considering a bill that will tighten what's already on the books when it comes to having a "wear and carry" gun permit. Meanwhile, State law already prohibits permit carriers from bringing guns into schools, state buildings, parks and other areas but not county buildings.