3918

VETOES

Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 176.

This bill provides that State laws pertaining to regulation
of the purchase, sale, taxation, transfer, manufacture, repair,
ownership, possession and transportation of firearms and
ammunition are to preempt the laws and ordinances of local
political subdivisions.

Senate Bill 88, which was passed by the General Assembly and
signed by me on May 28, 1985, accomplishes the same purpose.
Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 176.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 176

AN ACT concerning

Preemption - Weapons and Ammunition

FOR the purpose of declaring the intent of the State of Maryland
to preempt the field of regulation of certain enumerated
weapons and ammunition and certain activities involving the
enumerated weapons and ammunition; providing that the State
of Maryland preempts the rights of counties, municipal
corporations, and special taxing districts to regulate
certain activities involving the enumerated weapons and
ammunition; providing that counties, municipal corporations,
and special taxing districts may regulate certain activities
involving the enumerated weapons under certain
circumstances; providing that this Act shall have certain
effect as of a certain date; and generally providing for the
preemption of weapons and ammunition.

BY adding to

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

Section 36H

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1982 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland finds and declares that the
reservation of the regulation of some forms of weaponry and
ammunition is necessary to preserve the peace, safety, and health
of the State; now, therefore,