Maryland gets there first

[VBshooter]

Well it was a while coming but a bill to give immunity from civil action in the event of a case where deadly force is used is heading to the Governor of Maryland. It's pitiful that we Virginians now will have to stand in their shadow in regard to this due to having Senators with the reasoning power of a kitchen table who can't see the forest for the trees. Considering how tough MD is on gunnowners this passage is surprising and also good to see, It shows that the work gun owners are doing there is working.


Maryland: Civil Immunity Legislation Heading to Governor O’Malley!

Monday, April 12, 2010

On Saturday, April 10, the State Senate passed Senate Bill 411, concurring with the House amendments by a margin of 47 to 0. The bill now heads to Governor Martin O’Malley (D) for his consideration.
Sponsored by State Senator Mac Middleton (D-28), SB411 would provide civil immunity from damages when force, including deadly force, is used and reasonable under the circumstances to repel an attack in the person’s dwelling or place of business.

The amendments offered by the House Judiciary Committee included a new Subsection C that states:

“(C) SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A PERSON WHO IS CONVICTED OF A CRIME OF VIOLENCE UNDER § 14-101 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE, ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, OR RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT ARISING OUT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION.”;

Additionally, in the new Subsection D, the Committee replaced “Shall” with “May”, “The Court may award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to a defendant who prevails in a defense under this section”.

[zephyp]

I heard about this a couple weeks ago on the radio...I thought it said this was already passed but I guess it was a preliminary vote...and unanimous too...whoa...and from MD of all places...wow. Now if they will only recognize VA CHP then I might actually visit them from time to time...

[VBshooter]

I have had a good deal of contact from their assembly people and all positive. If that is any indication then the recognition of our CHP 's is coming in due time. MD does very well seem to be in the midst of a revolution to get gun rights returned to the people as the Constitution granted all US Citizens. Time will tell.

[guitarpicva]

Write your Delegate! WE have to push , or no-one else will.

The MD statute is OK, but would be better if Florida-style....anywhere you are legally allowed to be is your "castle".

[Ezliving]

A little Something is better than nothing. This new law is a step in the right direction.

[guitarpicva]

By the same logic....better is better

[Diomed]

The MD statute is OK, but would be better if Florida-style....anywhere you are legally allowed to be is your "castle".

But what would be the point of that? Since there is virtually no lawful concealed carry in MD, one's lawful options for self-defense outside the home are extremely limited.

I guess you could carry and try for a competing harms argument, but I don't think I'd want to try in that state...

[zephyp]

Better to set it up the right way now. There is always the chance they will grant the right to carry at a future date...