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Md. Senate Accepts Controversial Changes To Gun Control Legislation

By: WAMU Staff // February 27, 2013
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One provision in the Maryland gun law would require fingerprinting with the purchase of a handgun.
Keith Lafaille: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klafaille/6218726857/
One provision in the Maryland gun law would require fingerprinting with the purchase of a handgun.

The Maryland Senate has voted to accept some changes to Gov. Martin O'Malley's gun-control measure.

The Senate voted 28-19 on Wednesday to accept 19 of 20 amendments made by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee last week, according to the Associated Press.

The Senate decided to consider the other amendment on its own, after it sparked significant debate. This measure would automatically take away the firearms of anyone voluntarily or involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.

Baltimore City Senator Bill Ferguson noted that today's vote to accept the 19 amendments is not enough to stop an expected filibuster by opponents on this issue.

One of the most contentious aspects of the legislation would require fingerprints from people who buy handguns. The bill also would ban assault weapons.

Debate on additional amendments is scheduled to continue throughout the week. A final vote on the measure is expected on Friday.

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