Smigiel To Call For Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity

Michael Smigiel, R-36-Cecil, will argue for support on legislation that would allow residents of four neighboring states to carry a concealed weapon in Maryland if they are legally licensed in their home states. Under current law, a resident of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia or West Virginia who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon in their home state cannot bring it into Maryland while passing through or visiting. The same bill sponsored by Smigiel last year lost by an 11-10 vote in the House Judiciary Committee, ending its chance of reaching the House floor for debate.

Several gun advocate groups are expected to attend the hearing. One of them is the Associated Gun Clubs of Maryland, which has put out a call to its members to attend the hearing or submit written testimony. Maryland General Assembly committee hearings in the House can be seen and heard online this year for the first time and they can be listened to in the Senate.