Bill 23-26 — Ghost guns / public assembly

An attorney warned the bill contradicts the Maryland Supreme Court's ruling and pledged to challenge it in federal court if enacted as written.

Maryland director of Gun Owners of America argued the bill restricts law-abiding citizens, especially the 100-yard church buffer, and urged rejection.

A minority wear-and-carry permit holder argued the bill creates disparate impacts on Black and brown permit holders in dense, diverse Montgomery County.

A Democratic permit holder said the 100-yard buffer traps him in his own neighborhood and urged reinstating the permit-holder exemption or shrinking the zone.

A permit holder whose apartment sits within 100 yards of a recreation facility called the bill a de facto ban on his rights.

A synagogue security lead said the bill would strip protection from Jewish houses of worship facing rising antisemitic threats and asked for a no vote.