Md. lawmakers weigh gun reform, recreational marijuana in final hours of legislative session
MARYLAND – Guns and adult-use recreational marijuana seeing a big last minute race for amendments, and passage, from Maryland lawmakers Monday.
Gun Reform
One bill at the center of debate: Senate Bill 1. The legislation seeks to prohibit someone from knowingly carrying a firearm onto another person’s property without express permission. It could also change other rules about where a person may wear and carry a gun.
Court Challenges Coming?
The legislation has been heavily amended already, and lawmakers predict it will keep them on the floor right up to Monday’s midnight Sine Die deadline.
“Even when they start to make amendments and go back and forth between the House and Senate, the bottom line is the bills are unconstitutional,” said Senator Mary Beth Carozza.
Several members of the Eastern Shore delegation say the measure violates the Second Amendment, and will likely be challenged in court.
“It’s going to be immediately challenged in court,” said Delegate Chris Adams. “So, we need to make sure we put our best foot forward, remind people that there is a Second Amendment, and people have a right to bear arms. The legislature, in a knee-jerk reaction, is trying to put [this] legislation forward.”
Marijuana in Maryland
Another top issue for lawmakers this Sine Die, is hammering out regulations around adult-use recreational marijuana. Marylanders passed the measure in a referendum on the 2022 Gubernatorial Election ballot.
“Apparently the majority of the state wants it, at least those who came out and voted. Yet, there’s still problems with that,” said Del. Hartman.
Many amendments have been offered to bills concerning the business licensing, sale, and use of recreational marijuana. Among those, was one that would have kept marijuana dispensaries at least 500 feet from schools, offered by Del. Hartman. “Of course, you have to be 21. But, that doesn’t stop underage people from accessing alcohol,” he said.
Concerns Raised
Lawmakers also have concerns about how enforcement of illegal use of marijuana will work. For example, says Del. Hartman, there is no accurate, and real-time way, to detect how much marijuana someone may have ingested, and when.
Sen. Carozza, meanwhile, says she has concerns about those who may be smoking marijuana in public places. She says it’s an issue that’s already plagued Ocean City’s boardwalk for years. Adding, equity and fairness should also be at the center of attention.
“We need to be very concerned that local jurisdictions can have penalties for smoking marijuana in public,” said Sen. Carozza. “We also want to make sure that the licensing is fair for all. So, if there are some that made investments with hemp, they should have the opportunity to also move forward.”
Delegate Charles Otto, who supported the legalization of medical marijuana, worries about how their business might be impacted by recreational sale.
“What we have is not what I voted for, I don’t believe. But, it concerns me of what that’s going to transpire, and how that’s going to affect their businesses,” said Del. Otto. “We’re going to be careful with watching that, until midnight tonight. We’ll see how that works out.”
