The Senate’s first bill introduced in the 2023 Maryland General Assembly went until the last day in both chambers in Annapolis as legislators questioned both the final push and constitutionality of the gun proposal on which they were to vote.
“I’m not speaking on this bill, I’m speaking on this process,” said Del. Kevin Hornberger, R-Cecil, on SB1, gun legislation to alter the state’s laws after the Supreme Court struck down a New York law last summer, “and this process is flawed.”
Del. Caylin Young, D-Baltimore City, who voted for the bill, said in a fiery floor speech he expected the legislation to be challenged in court. Similar concerns were expressed later by Senate Republicans on the floor about the constitutionality of the legislation that eventually passed both chambers. The legislation now heads to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore for final approval.
For the last 52 years, the Maryland General Assembly has convened starting on the second Wednesday in January, typically for a 90-day session. In that regard, this year was no different.
However, there was plenty that was different this year in Annapolis. A new governor, attorney general, comptroller and a fresh cadre of legislators all were sworn in the first month of 2023.
“Despite a time of major transition at all levels of government,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore City, during an April 7 press conference, “we’ve set ourselves up in this first year...
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