Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today joined Councilmember Dawn Luedtke (District 7), the lead sponsor of Bill 23-26E, Weapons—Restrictions on Ghost Guns Near Minors and Carrying of Firearms in or Near Places of Public Assembly for a bill signing of the legislation. The event also included remarks from Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada and community partners.
Approved by the County Council on July 21, Expedited Bill 23-26 updates Montgomery County’s firearms law to comply with a Maryland Supreme Court decision while preserving the strongest local firearm restrictions authorized under State law.
The legislation maintains the County’s prohibition on carrying firearms within 100 yards of many sensitive public places, including schools, parks, libraries, polling places, houses of worship, and legislative assemblies, while removing or modifying provisions that the Court determined the State must regulate.
Consistent with the Maryland Supreme Court ruling, the bill also repeals the County’s previous restriction on the purchase, sale, transfer, or transport of ghost guns, including 3D-printed firearms, in the presence of minors, and establishes a limited travel exemption for concealed-carrying permit holders traveling on public highways through restricted areas.
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“Our commitment to public safety has not changed,” said County Executive Elrich. “Our goal remains exactly what it has always been—to do everything we legally can do to reduce gun violence and protect our communities. We will continue working with our partners at every level of government to strengthen sensible gun safety measures, reduce gun violence, and keep Montgomery County safe.”
Councilmember Luedtke sponsored Bill 23-26E following the Maryland Supreme Court’s decision to ensure Montgomery County’s firearms laws remain enforceable while preserving local protections authorized under State law.
“This bill is a commonsense, balanced approach in Montgomery County’s local law to keep guns out of sensitive community spaces,” said Councilmember Luedtke. “We will continue working to reduce gun violence and unauthorized access to firearms.”
Councilmember Luedtke and County Executive Elrich were joined at today’s ceremony by Rita Montoya, at-large member of the Montgomery County Board of Education and Maria Pekala of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America–Montgomery County Local Group. The bill signing reflects Montgomery County’s continued commitment to protecting residents through evidence-based public safety policies while ensuring local laws remain consistent with State law. The County will continue working with State leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to strengthen sensible gun safety measures and reduce gun violence.
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Read the original article at mcgov