GUN LAWS: What You Need to Know in Maryland, D.C. & Virginia

Virginia

Virginia has some of the weakest regulations regarding guns of any state in the nation. State law preempts local gun regu­lation. The only firearms banned in Virginia are the Armsel Striker, also known as the Striker 12, similar shotguns, and plastic firearms. There are no limits on magazine capacity, although a concealed handgun permit is required to carry magazines with more than 20 rounds in some urban, public areas.

There are age restrictions for firearms possession and some people are prohibit­ed from having firearms because of specific criminal convictions. Licensed dealers must have the Virginia State Police conduct a background check before a sale can be completed for certain firearms. Individuals who are not professional arms deal­ers are not required to perform background checks before selling firearms. Legis­lation repealing the “one-handgun-a-month law” was signed into law by Governor Bob McDonnell, so individuals may purchase as many firearms as they wish.

Open carry of a handgun without a permit is legal in Virginia at age 18. Con­cealed carry of a handgun is allowed for persons 21 and older who hold a valid Concealed Handgun Permit, with certain restrictions. Machine guns must be reg­istered with the Virginia State Police.

For information, visit www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm

Maryland

The State of Maryland preempts some local firearm regula­tions, though local governments may regulate firearms with respect to minors and areas of public assembly. Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, and Baltimore have local firearm regulations.

The Maryland State Police maintain a registry of “regulated firearms” that are al­lowed to be sold within the state. Dealers must forward the manufacturer-included shell casing in its sealed container to the Department of State Police Crime Labo­ratory upon sale, rental, or transfer of a “regulated firearm” for inclusion in their ballistics database, known as the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).

Detachable magazines capable of holding more than 20 rounds may not be manufactured or sold, though they may be possessed. Sale of pistols defined as “assault pistols” are banned, excluding those registered prior to August 1, 1994. Only handguns on the official handgun roster may be sold in the state. Private sales of “regulated firearms,” which includes handguns, are prohibited. A person must obtain a safety training certificate prior to purchasing “regulated firearms” and present that certificate prior to each purchase. With some limited exceptions, only one “regulated firearm” may be purchased in any 30-day period. Handguns manufactured on or before December 31, 2002 must be sold or transferred with an external safety lock. Handguns manufactured after December 31, 2002 may only be sold or transferred if they have an internal mechanical safety device.

Firearms are prohibited from certain places, including schools and demonstra­tions. Carrying a handgun, whether openly or concealed, is prohibited unless one has a permit to carry a handgun or is on their own property or place of business.

For information, visit www.mdsp.org/Organization/SupportServicesBureau/Li­censingDivision.aspx

Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., all firearms must be registered with the police. D.C. used to ban handguns, even in private citi­zens’ homes, unless they were registered before 1976, but the ban was struck down by the Supreme Court of the Unit­ed States in 2008.

Following the Supreme Court decision, the City Council enacted rules regulat­ing the possession of handguns in citizens’ homes. In addition to each handgun being registered with the police, D.C. residents undergo a background check and submit fingerprints and photos. Residents must take a gun safety course, and pass a written test on the District’s gun laws. For each gun, the police keep a spent shell for a ballistic fingerprinting database. Residents must also declare how the weapon will be used and where it will be kept.

For information, visit http://mpdc.dc.gov/service/firearm-registration-district-columbia