Last Wednesday, Feb. 10, Maryland Democrats presented a package of three gun-control measures as part of their legislative priorities. Top democrats, including Attorney General Brian Frosh, House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, announced the package of bills. This is not the first sign of increased gun-control in Maryland, the 2013 Firearms Safety Act banned certain military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, among other things. This new proposal would build upon 2013’s legislation by providing additional “common sense measures” to Maryland gun-control legislation.

The first measure introduced Wednesday would ban guns on all public college campuses. Currently, each individual campus has its own gun-control policies. Miller, whose political agenda rarely ever crossed into the gun-control debate, boldly stated on Wednesday, “I want our college campuses to be a sanctuary. No guns.” Democrats Del. Ben Barnes of Prince George’s County and Sen. Richard S. Madaleno of Montgomery County were the primary sponsors of stricter gun regulations on campuses. In the proposal, a three-year jail term and $1,000 fine are the outlined sentences for bringing a firearm onto a public campus.

The second proposal would ban individuals on the national no-fly list from purchasing firearms. It would also prevent state police from handing out gun permits to individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list. President Obama has called for similar legislation that would ban suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms. Maryland state authorities defend their current procedures by stating that comprehensive background checks are already in place to flag applicants on the federal no-fly list; troopers are also said to be trained to follow up with authorities if such flags were to appear. Maryland has never come across a gun buyer who was on the watch list.

The third proposal in the series of gun regulations would require gun owners to surrender their firearms if charged with domestic violence. A law is already in place that should keep firearms out of criminal hands, but Democratic proponents of the new legislation insist that it lacks the necessary enforcement to work effectively. Judges are not required to inform gun owners of the current provision, and criminals are not compelled by law enforcement to turn in their guns. The new proposal outlines a two-day deadline for domestic-related criminals to turn in their guns. Democrats on Wednesday argued that the outdated laws that are currently in place go against one’s common sense, and these essential revisions are necessary to keep Maryland citizens out of harm’s way.

The Baltimore Sun and CBS Baltimore contributed to this article.

Photo Courtesy of Austin Kirk