ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate got an early start to work on a gun-control measure.
Senators are scheduled to convene at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, about two hours earlier than they usually gather.
They are set to debate 20 amendments to Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal. After that, senators will have a chance to offer other changes.
Debate on the sweeping measure is expected to last most of the week in the Senate.
The bill would ban assault weapons. It also would require licenses for new handgun purchases, and new owners would have to submit fingerprints to the state police. The measure also would prohibit people who have been involuntarily committed to mental health facilities from owning firearms.
