Maryland Caucus Takes Stand on Anti-Gun Legislation

The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus has spoken out against a semi-automatic rifle ban introduced in the Senate. The bill would ban possession of many semi-automatic rifles and some shotguns used for hunting based on cosmetic features. In citing their decision to oppose the ban, the Caucus noted, ”The Caucus does not want to see legislation enacted that could deprive Maryland’s 150,000 plus sportsmen from enjoying the lawful use of their firearms.” The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation provided input to members of the Caucus and, according to reports, more than 200 sportsmen showed up to oppose the bill in a committee hearing.

The Caucus also opposed an additional 10% state tax on semi-automatic rifles based on cosmetic features. Long guns are already taxed at the federal level, in addition to the state sales tax collected in Maryland, and the proposed legislation would take the final tax bill for the sporting consumer to over 25% of the price of the firearm. In their opposition, the Caucus said the tax “will impose a disproportionate and, arguably, a discriminatory fiscal burden upon the backs of sportsmen simply because of their Second Amendment right.” In 2006, Maryland received $2.2 million for wildlife programs and hunter education from the federal taxes already collected on firearms.