Maryland House of Delegates OKs bills requiring long gun background checks, banning 3D-printed guns

The Maryland House of Delegates gave final approval Monday to bills that would ban 3D printed guns and require background checks for all sales of long guns, such as shotguns and rifles.

The bills are among the priorities of gun-control advocates, but just as strongly opposed by gun-rights supporters.

After the background-check bill was approved on a 90-49 vote, an observer in the House balcony shouted: “We will not comply!” — a slogan favored by gun rights supporters, indicating they won’t follow the bill if it becomes law. A video posted online by the group Patriot Picket showed the man being removed by police.

Under current law, background checks are required for long guns only when purchased at licensed dealers.

The bill expands the requirement to private sales. A seller and purchaser would be required to go to a licensed dealer to undergo a check under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Supporters argue that long guns are just as dangerous as handguns, and that background checks should be required for all sales of long guns. They note that a shotgun was used by a man who burst into The Capital newspaper office in Annapolis last June, killing five employees.

Opponents, meanwhile, argue that few people are killed by long guns and adding that background checks would be onerous for gun owners who often sell rifles and shotguns to one another.

The 3D printed gun bill prohibits buying, selling or owning a gun created by a “computer-aided fabrication device” unless it has a federal serial number. Violations would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

The 3D ban was approved by a 94-45 vote.

Both measures now move to the state Senate for consideration.

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