Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gun-control legislation in Maryland is back before House lawmakers.
Two committees in the state's House of Delegates are planning to meet and vote on Gov. Martin O'Malley's sweeping gun-control measure on Friday.
The measure has been bogged down for weeks over debate about some guns that would be not be allowed in the state under an assault weapons ban.
The bill passed the Senate more than a month ago.
The measure would limit magazine rounds to 10 and mandate a licensing requirement for handgun buyers to submit fingerprints to state police. The legislation also would prohibit anyone who has been involuntarily committed due to mental illness from possessing a firearm.
Maryland's legislative session is scheduled to adjourn April 8.
Delaware
DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware lawmakers have introduced the latest in a series of gun control measures proposed by Democratic Gov. Jack Markell after the December massacre at a Connecticut elementary school.
One bill introduced Thursday creates a new felony offense for carrying a gun in a designated "safe school zone." The bill covers schools, school buses and school property but would not apply to guns in cars on school property when the driver is at a school function.
Another bill prohibits the manufacture or sale of military-style assault-type weapons. People who currently possess such weapons could keep them but would have to provide proof of ownership to Delaware State Police within 120 days of the bill becoming law.
Both bills will be considered after lawmakers return next month from a two-week break.
Meanwhile, the state House has passed a bill subjecting most gun sales between private sellers and buyers in Delaware to criminal background checks.
The bill cleared the Democrat-controlled House on a 24-17 vote Thursday and now goes to the Senate.
Lawmakers approved the bill after adding several amendments, including one that specifically prohibits the state from using information from background checks to establish any kind of gun registration system, which some opponents claim is the real intent of the bill.
Under current law, background checks are required for purchases from federally licensed firearms dealers, but not for transactions between private sellers and buyers.
The legislation is part of a package of gun control measures proposed by Democratic Gov. Jack Markell after the December massacre at a Connecticut elementary school.
