Politics & Government

Governor Signs Gun Bill Supported by Baltimore Officials

Felons convicted of a violent crime now face a minimum of five years for gun possession.

Gov. Martin O’Malley signed a bill into law on Tuesday that allows for tougher sentencing options for felons caught with guns.

The bill establishes a sentencing guideline of five to 15 years for felons previously convicted of violent crimes. It also closes a loophole that created an exception for felons caught with rifles and shotguns.  

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld both strongly supported the bill. They announced their backing of the legislation during a press conference in January touting the lowest number of homicides in Baltimore since 1985. 

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"Too many of these convicted gun offenders are quickly released back onto the streets of Baltimore and go on to commit other crimes," Rawlings-Blake said at the time. "The sad and simple truth is that the current state law supports a culture of tolerance for illegal loaded gun possession."


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