Maryland gun purchasers will be penalized for long state delays
In the 2013 Session of the Maryland General Assembly the Governor passed sweeping legislation (SB 281) that increases the burden and expense on Maryland gun purchasers. The passage of the new law prompted thousands to purchase handguns and other equipment before the increased costs and restrictions took effect, October 1, 2013, and has created a backlog with the State in processing approvals.
On August 1, 2013, the Attorney General issued an opinion (which is legally binding until overruled by a court) that Maryland Gun Purchasers will have to suffer any incompetence by the State in failing to grant prompt approvals. The opinion states that even if the delay is caused by the State breaking the state law that mandates approvals within 5 days (now taking up to 10 weeks), it would be the Maryland gun purchasers and not the State that will suffer because any purchases approved after October 1, for whatever reason, will have to comply with the full requirements and expense of the new law.
