Impallaria: Bills represent no-sense gun control

One of a series of weekly commentaries from Harford County state legislators regarding the 2019 Maryland General Assembly session.

Over the past several years, and even up to this very day, we have found that gun violence is constantly in the news. With so many liberal media outlets and networks, we have to sift through these agendas and somehow find the truth. The truth starts with knowledge, first and foremost. I have seen too many times how every story regarding guns quickly becomes a push for bans or restrictions. Headlines calling for more gun control and restrictions are pushed out to every outlet with very little understanding of what is really going on. Guns do not take lives, the person holding the gun takes lives. This year in Annapolis, I have seen a plethora of bills introduced to restrict gun ownership and even outright banning specific types of weapons. Once again, these are introduced with very little knowledge about the guns themselves or even what the real world impact will be on gun violence.

One of the new bills introduced is Senate Bill 737, Long Gun Qualification License. Very similar to the Hand Gun Qualification License that is currently in affect, you will be required to complete a 4-hour training class, fingerprinting and a 7-day waiting period. This is another attempt to make the process of purchasing firearms more difficult for law-abiding citizens, not to mention the negative financial impact with two separate licensing fees. Convicted criminals will not be able to purchase firearms through this process but that hasn’t stopped them from getting firearms by any means necessary. Rather than addressing criminal use of guns, this bill seeks to limit legal and responsible gun ownership and use.

The Assault Weapons bill, House Bill 612, that has been introduced, seeks to ban Colt AR-15 H bar-style guns. These guns are chambered in a 5.56 / .223 and by no means are these calibers the most powerful or have the most range. The lawmakers who introduced and support this bill only notice the overall look of “assault weapons” without having a true understanding of the AR-15’s function. There are no ballistic advantages associated with these options. It is no different than searching for a new car but not being allowed to purchase one with ground effects and spoilers.

As we contemplate what sensible gun laws should be and how to implement them, one bill stands out: HB1214 “stand your ground.” This bill makes all the sense in the world. As citizens we should be able to defend our homes from intruders and individuals that are breaking the law, and we should be able to without the fear of criminal prosecution. If we truly want to reduce gun violence then we need to evaluate the facts. Gun ownership is a major deterrent to potential intruders or criminals. Studies show 60 percent of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they knew the victim was armed. Studies also show 74 percent of felons agreed that one reason burglars avoid occupied homes is that they fear being shot during the crime. Criminals are more worried about meeting an armed victim than they are about running into the police. Owning a firearm will never guarantee safety and I am not suggesting everyone needs to run to your closest gun emporium and purchase a firearm, but as law-abiding citizens, our constitutional rights should allow us to make that purchase at any time. This is not a simple or easy discussion when you hear all of the points of view but I would encourage everyone to consider why these crimes are taking place rather than simply blaming the guns.

Other areas of concern that has come from this legislative session are House Bill 399 (assisted suicide) and House Bill 166 (the fight for $15). I have strongly opposed both bills. The impact of raising minimum wages to $15 per hour will absolutely cripple our small business owners and in many cases close their doors. This session has been an outright assault on our second amendment rights, rural communities, farming industry, watermen and the Chesapeake Bay itself. I will continue to fight for our values and principles for as long as I possibly can. It is an honor to be able to serve and represent you all.

Republican Del. Rick Impallaria represents District 7.