Posted by Phil Lee (216.250.238.45) on April 28, 2001 at 12:31:
MARYLAND BECOMES FIRST STATE IN THE US TO REQUIRE SAFER GUNS
From MAHA web site at:
http://www.hgabuse.org/ns100_1.html
On April 11, 2000, Governor Parris N. Glendening made national history as he signed into law the Responsible Gun Safety Act of 2000, requiring integrated mechanical safety devices on all handguns sold in Maryland, beginning on January 1, 2003. Such devices will prevent children and other unauthorized users from firing handguns, thus reducing the possibility of unintentional shootings of children and teen suicides.
President Clinton was on hand in Annapolis for this landmark event, declaring Maryland's new law a model for the country, and calling on Congress to take note of Maryland's initiative and pass national legislation to require childproof locks on handguns. "Every single day Congress waits, we lose 12 children, nearly 90 people overall to gun violence," the President proclaimed. "Congress should follow Maryland's lead." This is the first time that the President has attended a bill-signing ceremony in any state.
Also on hand for the ceremony were Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Senate President Thomas 'Mike' Miller, Jr. And House Speaker Casper Taylor, Jr., all instrumental in passage of the legislation. They were joined by numerous supporters of the law from the General Assembly, representatives of MAHA. and victims of gun violence around the state, including Carol and John Price, Lee Tolzman, Gloria Buckingham, Jessie Snead, Vicki King, Lisa Covington and Fran Block.
"Today is a great day for Maryland," Governor Glendening declared. "Today we set a new agenda for gun safety... not only for Maryland... but for the entire nation." Lt. Governor Townsend stated that "...This is a significant victory for our children, our communities and our democracy." Both praised the courage and efforts of Senate President Miller, Jr. And House Speaker Taylor, as well as Senator Van Hollen and Delegate Vallario.
Although the bill appeared to be stalled in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in late March, the announcement of an agreement with Smith and Wesson to provide safety devices for guns within the time frames specified in SB212 prompted Senator Miller to move the bill to the Senate floor, where it passed on March 27 with minor amendments. The House approved the bill on April 3. For provisions of the new law, see