HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Panel Passes Domestic Violence Bills Dealing With Guns
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Saturday, March 7, 2009
A key legislative panel in Maryland yesterday approved central portions of Gov. Martin O'Malley's agenda for combating domestic violence, two measures that would give judges more authority to confiscate firearms from domestic abuse suspects.
At the same time, the House of Delegates' Judiciary Committee approved a separate bill that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to obtain permits to carry handguns.
The three bills will now be considered by the full House.
The committee, which is heavily weighted with gun rights supporters and defense attorneys, has long looked skeptically at measures to limit the ability of those embroiled in domestic disputes to keep guns. Legislation similar to the proposals put forward by O'Malley (D) failed to clear the same committee last year.
Yesterday, members spent more than two hours debating the bills, considering -- and for the most part rejecting -- amendments.
Under one of the bills approved, a judge could order abuse suspects to give up their guns when served with a seven-day temporary protective order if the suspect had threatened violence or to use a gun. Another bill would require judges to confiscate guns from anyone issued a more serious final protective order.
Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D), who has led efforts to pass the legislation, praised the committee and urged the full House and Senate to pass the bills.
"Domestic violence has touched too many families -- including my own -- and these bills are a common sense step in a direction that will save Marylanders' lives," he said in a statement.
Brown's cousin was killed last year by an ex-boyfriend.
Only one Democrat joined six Republicans in opposing O'Malley's measures, and 14 Democrats voted in favor.
There was more bipartisan support for a separate bill that would allow the Maryland State Police to consider whether a person has been protected by a court order in a domestic abuse case when deciding to issue a gun permit. Seven Democrats joined Republicans in support.
Those backing the concept said they believed domestic abuse victims eligible for protection orders should be able to choose to carry a gun for self-defense. "If it's about protecting women, then let's give the woman the right to protect herself and her family," said Del. Michael D. Smigiel Sr. (R-Cecil).
