MD Has Highly Productive Legislative Session? Depends On Who You Ask

The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned ending what they call a "highly productive" legislative session.  HUH???

Let's see.... most pressing  issues that passed... gun control, capital punishment and medical marijuana, just to name a few.

Good for you!!

And you thanked your wives, patted each other on the back and someone even came up with the bright idea  of playing  "Who Let the Dogs Out"?  Didn't you know that there were thousands of others watching?  Waiting?

But you didn't address all of the IMPORTANT issues. 

You allowed yourselves to be so disrespectful and RUDE to those  Marylanders waiting patiently and quietly for your discussion concerning the ruling last year defining pit bulls as "inherently dangerous".

You let those Marylanders down!

So now Maryland families with pets and pit bulls in general are  left in a legal limbo.

Pit bull owners and dog owners in general are upset about this.  They have every right to be since the majority of them are tax payers also and they have fought a clean and vigorous battle trying to prove that pit bulls are NOT "inherently dangerous".  They have proven that they deserve YOUR respect also!

But maybe it's a little difficult with those insurance companies banging in your ear....or maybe you were too busy singing along to "Who Let the Dogs Out?".  Or perhaps you were the one with your lips pressed together making the bomb sound.

What a disappointment to so many...more than you can imagine.

For a short article and video that boasts of the wondrous things the Maryland legislature has done for the residents of Maryland - HERE

Basket Bingo! To Benefit the Mar-Va Theater

Basket Bingo!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Pocomoke Fairgrounds

 

Bring your dabbers &bring your friends!

 

 

 

The doors open at 5:30 PM and Bingo begins at 7 PM.

 

 Tickets are $20

 

You can purchase tickets at the door or

 contact Diane at 410.957.1351

Reserved seating is available

 

 

door prizes

 50/50 raffle 

 tricky tray

 

The Longaberger Baskets were graciously donated by private collectors.

 

All proceeds will benefit the Mar-Va Theater

Accomack County Board of Supervisors Vote On 2013 Budget Today

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will meet at 5 PM today to vote on the 2013 budget.

This year's budget is $6 million less than last year's because of extra money needed last year to close the Southern landfill. The highlights of this year's budget are:


1. No tax increase.
2. Local sales tax collection was up due to new retail sales.
3. $1.3 million in new capital expenditures.
4. $290,000 for additional space for the sheriff's building.
5. A 3% raise for all county employees
6. $772,000 additional dollars put in the rainy day fund bring the total to 10.6% with a long term goal of 16%

Source:

Save the Youth Adult Computer Classes

 Adult Computer Classes

 

Sponsored by

Save The Youth

of Pocomoke City

 

 

 

126  Willow Street
Pocomoke City, Maryland

Stop by the Save The Youth office on Willow Street  to

sign up by April 30, 2013.

Office is OPEN 9:00 AM  until 3:00 PM
 

Studio Day~ Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce

6 Market Street

Downtown Pocomoke City

 

Presents

 

Studio Day~

See local artist Jenny Somers at work

 

Saturday, April 13, 2013

10:00am until 4:00pm

 

 

 

 

Be sure to ask Jenny about her hand painted stemware.

 

View Jenny's artwork on facebook

Bayside Arts ~ Jenny Somers

Little Miss Pocomoke Contest Winners

Little Miss Pocomoke Contest Winners

 

 

Little Miss 1st Runner Up (left) Caroline Webster

Little Miss Pocomoke (center) Hannah East

Little Miss People's Choice (right) Kyleigh Kruse

Antares Test Flight Scheduled for April 17

We've waited a while for this!  Should be spectacular and I can't wait!!

 Antares Rocket

The Antares rocket in vertical position, following roll-out maneuvers on

 April 6, 2013, at Wallops.  Credit: NASA/Brea Reeves

 

 

 

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. -- Orbital Sciences Corp. completed roll-out of the first fully-integrated Antares rocket to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Saturday, April 6. Orbital has confirmed an April 17 target launch date for the rocket test flight with a planned liftoff of 5 p.m. EDT.

Orbital is testing the Antares rocket under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. NASA initiatives like COTS are helping develop a robust U.S. commercial space transportation industry with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station and low-Earth orbit.

For more information on the launch, Wallops, and NASA initiatives like COTS, see:http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/missions/antares.html.

Weekend Programs At Delmarva Discovery Center

STATE POLICE TO HOLD BRIEFING RE: MURDER OF UMES STUDENT

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) -- Maryland State Police will conduct a media briefing to unveil a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation of the February murder of a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit will release a photo of recovered evidence in an attempt to enlist the assistance of anyone who may have information about the murder or about who may have had this item in their possession. 

Edmond A. St. Clair, 21, was stabbed to death at about 9:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013, on the university campus in Princess Anne. St. Clair was a passenger in a vehicle crossing campus when he and two others in the car encountered several people walking in the street. Some type of altercation ensued and the victim was stabbed. 

A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the murder. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776, or the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack at 443-260-3700.

Callers may remain anonymous. 

WHAT: RELEASE OF MURDER EVIDENCE INFORMATION 

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, AT 1:00 P.M.

WHERE: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
STUDENT SERVICES CENTER - ROTUNDA 
COLLEGE BACKBONE ROAD, OFF UMES BLVD (RT. 822)
PRINCESS ANNE, MD

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Shore Beef and BBQ ~Active Volunteer Fireman 2nd Annual Event

More INFO ON Facebook

 

Feel free to bring your firetrucks!

Don's Seafood-Pocomoke

Don's Seafood-Pocomoke

 

FINALS GAME TONIGHT

 

 

Big Screen and Flat Screen TV's

 

 1/2 price Wings & $1 off Domestic Beer

 

10 for $10 Entree Selections

 

 

Upper Deck Weekly Lunch Specials

The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & LoungeWeekly Lunch Specials!

 

Tues...Crispy Chicken caesar Wrap & Chips....$6.50
 BBQ Chicken Sliders & FF.....$6.99

 

 Wed...Tuna Melt with Chips....$4.99
 Hot Turkey Sandwich & Mashed Potatoes..$6.50

 

Thurs......BBQ Beef Sandwich  with FF....$6.50
 Crab Cake Slider with Garden salad.....$7.99

 

Friday Lunch Buffet
 Fried Chicken, Fried Flounder, Au Gratin Potatoes, Peas n' Dumpliings, Soup, Salads etc!

 

 

Newsflash for those Marylanders Concerned about Government Spending

Newsflash for those Marylanders Concerned about Government Spending

Published on Apr 8, 2013

This is an audio clip taken from the House Floor Proceedings on Saturday, April 6, 2013.

In this audio clip you will hear Delegate Mike Dermott's floor remarks on the Capital Budget Bill (HB-101) which calls for an appropriation of $900,000.00 to "...design, construct, renovate, and equip a facility for the relocation of Delmarva Public Radio...".

 

Website: www.delegatemcdermott.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/electmikemcdermott
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Del_McDermott

 

16th Annual Tortoise and Hare Dare

Spaghetti Fund Raiser To Benefit David Chew III Fund

Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner

to Benefit David Chew III

 

 

 

Hallwood United Methodist Church

 

Friday, April 12, 2013

 

5 PM to 7 PM

 

Menu

 

Spaghetti, Bread, Salad, Tea and Dessert

 

Donations will be accepted for the

David Raymond Chew III Fund

 

Firefighter David Chew, Jr. was  a member of the Bloxom Fire Company,  paramedic with the Northampton County Department of Emergency Medical Services, and Minister of the Hallwood United Methodist Church.  Firefighter Chew died in  a crash involving a Bloxom firetruck in July 2012.

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce ~ Business After Hours

 

 

Please join us on 4/18 as we host the opening of "Something to Crow About" a special exhibit on loan from the Ward Museum and the Pocomoke Chamber Business After Hours.

 

 

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

 

 

A G E N D A

 

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

 

7:30 p.m., Monday, April 8, 2013

 

City Hall

 

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 
2.  Review and approval of minutes from meeting of March 4, 2013.
 
3.  Review and approval of bills to be paid.
 
4.  Mayor Morrison to swear in Councilmembers Diane Downing and George Tasker for three year terms on the City Council.
 
5.   Selection of First and Second Vice President of the City Council for the coming year.
 
6.   Introduction of new police officer Jerome Stanford.
 
7.   Authorize Mayor to sign Proclamations:
                        A.        “Pay It Forward” (Lift Class, Salem Methodist Church)
                        B.        Fair Housing Month- April 2013
                        C.        Child Abuse Awareness Month (CRICKET Center)
                        D.        Arbor Day 2013
 
   8.      Representatives of Go Getters and Worcester County Health Department to discuss the establishment of Go Getters residences at 234 and 236 Morgan’s Court (Butler’s Village).
 
  9.       Discuss request from Save the Youth to designate a handicap parking space at 126 Willow Street.
 
10.       Eagles Scout candidate Nathan Stephens to discuss his Eagle project to build new picnic tables at Cypress Park.
 
11.       City Attorney items:
                        A.        Proposal to amend current schedule of fees and charges concerning violations of Chapter 99 of the City Code (Weeds and Vegetation)
                        B.        Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Worcester County Jail regarding persons arrested on warrants from out-of-area jurisdictions.
 
12.       Discuss letter from Elks Club requesting use of Winter Quarters Municipal Golf Course for a golf tournament on May 11.
 
13.       City Manager to present 9 month budget summary.
 
14.       Discuss letter from Crisfield Marine Company for pile driving at Municipal Dock for proposed boat docking contest.  (Mike Shannon).
 
15.       Consider request from Assateague People of Delmarva for use of Cypress Park for Pow Wow on May 18 & 19, 2013.
 
 

Comments from the Audience.
 
Mayor and Council Items.
 
Adjourn.

Miss Pocomoke and Little Miss Pocomoke

The 55th Miss and Little Miss Pocomoke Contest

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pocomoke City, Maryland

LITTLE MISS AND MISS POCOMOKE

 

2013 Little Miss Pocomoke Hannah Mae East.
2013 Miss Pocomoke  Paige Noelle Stanley

Little Miss Pocomoke Hannah Mae East
Hannah is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Major East

 



Little Miss Runner up Caroline Nicole Webster

 

 From left to Right: Phoebe Shay Rantz Most Talented, Paige Noelle Stanley 2013 Miss Pocomoke, Taylor Nicole Zimmerman Peoples Choice and Runner Up, and Karisa Bre'anne Ridway Miss Congeniality



Many thanks to Ashley for sending me the info and photos.
I hope to have more info soon.

11th Annual Pocomoke City Police Dept. Easter Egg Hunt

The sun managed to shine but those anxious egg hunters didn't seem to mind what kind of weather was in store for the day!

Pocomoke City Police Chief hides the Easter eggs in the tot lot for the younger  eager egg hunters.

These were ages 1 year  through  5 years.  Second group was 6 years to 9 years old.

 

 

 

Ages 10 through 12 hunted eggs in the back of Cypress Park

 

Those that found the "special eggs" won giant Easter baskets or giant chocolate Easter bunnies!

 

 

After prizes were handed out everyone feasted on hotdogs and fruit punch.
The entire event for the children of Pocomoke City was funded by the Pocomoke City Police Department.

Councilman Tasker holds up a bottle of fruit punch in preparation for the thirsty egg hunters.

Left to right- Angel Thornes (PCPD), Councilman Tasker
Mrs. Tasker



(Left to right) Councilman Rob Clarke, Pocomoke City Police
Chief Kelvin Sewell, Councilman Tasker, Pocomoke City
Police Officer  J. Stanford


Candid Photos

 

Gayle Waters and Angel Thornton
Pocomoke City Police Department

 

Left to right- Gayle Waters, Officer McGlotten, Officer J. Stanford,

 Councilman Clarke, Chief Sewell,

C. Sewell

 

Pocomoke City Police Officer D. McGlotten

 "It is essential that all members of the Pocomoke City Police Department remember that in the execution of their duties they act not for themselves but for good of the public."
Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell 

 

"The good of the public"- regardless of age.  Proven again to be the best in police departments.

 

 



TIME MACHINE ... 1913..1899..1968..1907..1994

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
　
　
(This is another update to postings of the last couple of weeks of articles from 1913 regarding a young Salisbury office worker who was found dead in her office chair. Subsequent articles will follow, as investigation heightened the mystery surrounding her death.)

June, 1913
(The Washington Post)

GIRL DIED IN THE YARD

Miss Wainwright's Body Carried to Gas Office Chair.

RUMORS OF EARLY ARRESTS

Young Salisbury, Md., Woman not a Victim of Poison, but of an Operation. Other Employees of Office Say She Complained of Feeling ILL on Fatal Friday Afternoon.

Salisbury, Md., June 24.- Despite the effort being made by the authorities to keep secret the developments in the investigation into the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the young woman who was found dead in the office of the Home Gas Company Friday night, it is now known the young woman did not die of poison, as first thought, but from an operation performed, it is thought, Friday afternoon in the yard back of the gas company office.

That the young woman did not die sitting at her desk, as was made to appear, now seems certain. In all probability she was carried into the office and placed at the desk, in the position in which she was found.

Harold Smith, the manager of the gas company, testified before the coroner's jury, it is said, that he was in the office all the afternoon, leaving there at 6:15, and that the young woman had been complaining of feeling ill. Smith says he left the young woman alone in the office and went home. He did not summon a physician, and did not offer to call a cab to take her home.

Mrs. Elmer Smith, wife of Elmer Smith, a former employee of the gas company, and a friend of Miss Wainwright, testified, it is said, that she was with the young woman from 4 until 5:45 o'clock, leaving her at the office with Harold Smith. She testified, it is said, that Miss Wainwright was quite ill all the while she was with her. Miss Wingate, the stenographer, employed by the gas company, says she left the office at 5:30 o'clock. No arrests have been made, but rumors persist that there will be soon.

　
November, 1899

The new governor-elect of Maryland was prominent Snow Hill resident John Walter Smith, a former Congressman and State Senator with major business interests in lumbering and various other local endeavors.　

　
December, 1968 (Time Machine Archive)

A new 1969 Camaro would be given away in a Shop Pocomoke promotion sponsored by the Pocomoke Ciity Businessmen's Association. Members of the Association were: Bata Shore Store...Burnett White of Pocomoke...W.H.Clarke & Company...City Service Oil Company (C.K. Duncan)...The Democratic Messenger...George's Furniture...Guy's Implement Company...Hancock's Grocery...Lankford & Cutler Hardware...Montgomery Ward Catalog Store...Midway Auto...Miller-Massey Auto...Somers-Kirby Motor Company...Miller's Ladies Shop...Modern Floor Company... J.J. Newberry...Outten Brothers...Pocomoke City Flower Shop...Pocomoke City Pharmacy...Pocomoke Machine & Implement Company...R.E.Powell & Company...Scher's...Schoolfield & Ham...Sears Catalog Store...Sherwin Williams...Silco...Vincent's Jewelers...Webb's Grocery...Western Auto...George E. Young Auto Parts.

　
April, 1907
(Logansport PharosTribune- Logansport, Indiana)

"Public Day" is a term applied in Southern Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to those days when by concerted agreement, the result of old tradition, country folks come to town to "do their trading."

　
August, 1994
(The Chronicle Telegram- Elyria, Ohio)

Maryland man makes 'pastries for keeps'

(Excerpts)

DOVER, DEL. (AP)- Dressed in chef's jacket and surrounded by mouthwatering cheesecakes, breads, eclairs, and brownies, Dallas Hewitt looks like the consummate pastry chef.
But you won't smell the aroma of baked goods coming from Hewitt's workshop behind his house in Pocomoke City, Md. In fact, he can't bake worth a lick.

Hewitt's pastries are made from building materials.
Cakes are shaped from blocks of wood and frosted with spackling. If it looks like there are chocolate sprinkles on top, it's really the tiny gravel found in aquariums. Breads and roasted chickens are made from spray insulation that puffs up. Barbequed ribs are a combination of insulation and clothespins.

Hewitt travels to festivals and fairs along the east coast and a few in the midwest to sell his pricey fake food. His booth was the center of attention at the arts and crafts show at the Delmarva Chicken Festival in Dover recently.

Mary Crisco of Felton snapped up a devil's food cake with white icing, and topped with strawberries. She said her kitchen is decorated with a strawberry theme.

"I might have to come to Pocomoke," she said, eyeing a strawberry meringue pie.

Hewitt, a retired car salesman, gets tickled when potential customers cautiously approach his concoctions, unsure whether they're real or fake. They often don't make the connection with the sign bearing his business' name: "Pastries For Keeps."

　
　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Apr. 6th, 2013

Tax Dollars: Bail Outs and Monuments

Or

“Where the libs go to get their dough”

By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

 

Here’s a newsflash for those Marylanders concerned about government spending. This morning I arrived at my desk on the floor of the House to find an amendment to the Capital Budget Bill (HB-101) which calls for an appropriation of $900,000.00  to “…design, construct, renovate, and equip a facility for the relocation of Delmarva Public Radio…”.

This comes on the heals of an investment of $135 Million of increased Maryland debt to provide for a “library” facility at Salisbury University with over $100 Million of this money in this year’s proposed Capital Budget.

So it goes with Progressives and Liberals, all those who enjoy feeding at the public trough of everyone elses tax dollars. Here we have a radio station that needs public support from its audience and, having failed to receive it (even with a free massive media blitz) they are able to get Del. Norm Conway to pay the tab with taxpayer dollars.

I cannot help but wonder…are there other projects on the lower shore where we could have spent $136 Million this year? We have roads that are crumbling and local governments coming up millions short. We have US Route 113 that could be completed along with overpasses for $105 million…and then what would we do with the other $31 Million? We have school security issues and a plethora of local public projects where this amount of revenue could have been parceled out to the satisfaction of many.

Much of this type of capital shifting in Annapolis remains unknown on the lower shore. No doubt most taxpayers have no idea how much money is “appropriated” for these types of projects. In the day and age of digital electronics and advancing communications technology, we will spend $135 Million for a brick and mortar library on a college campus…after we pay for tearing down the current  building that occupies the space. We will appropriate $49 Million for “planning and design” and $52 Million for actual construction…and, of course, we will call it a “jobs project” where we will pay “prevailing wages” to contractors (most not from the shore or Maryland for that matter) as a payoff to the unions who control the Democratic Supermajority in the General Assembly.  So to add insult to injury, we will pay 30% more to build these monuments than we would in the private sector.

So it continues in Annapolis with no end in sight.

 

 

Popular Facebook Scams Users Fall For

BEWARE and exercise caution! 

An increasing number of scams being generating from facebook.

Ten tactics scammers will deploy to trick you into clicking a malware infested link:

Profile viewers and profile blockers

Free iPads and iPhones

Free Facebook credits

Free items, gift cards and tickets

Invitations to turn your Facebook profile pink,

red, black or any other color

Phishing attempts to steal your login information

Bogus chat messages

 

Shocking headlines

 

Fake celebrity stories

 

Help, I’m stranded and need money

  SEE RELATED ARTICLES
 

FEES Included When Virginia's New Tax Refund Card Is Used

Virginia's new tax refund card program is hitting a few bumps in its first year.

Virginians have two options to get their state refunds because paper checks aren't being issued.

Taxpayers can have refunds directly deposited into their bank account or loaded onto a Way2Go tax refund card, which works like a debit card.

So far this year, more than 200,000 refunds have been issued on debit cards, while nearly 1.2 million refunds have been made through direct deposit, the according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.

While taxpayers are supposed to be able to use the cards for free in some instances some say they've been hit with unexpected fees.

"As with most new programs, the startup process hit a few bumps," Joel Davison, a spokesman for the state taxation department. told the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Davison said the department is working with the card provider, Xerox Corp., to resolve issues related to incorrect information and fees impacting some taxpayers.

READ MORE...

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1913.. As an investigation continues into the mysterious death of a young Salisbury woman, article reports she did not die in her office chair but that her body was placed there, plus another revelation is also reported; 1899.. Snow Hill resident is governor-elect; 1968.. Businesses listed in Shop Pocomoke promotion; 1907.. "Public Day" explained; 1994.. Pocomoke City man makes "Pastries For Keeps."
　
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Tasley VFD Issues Statement on Smith Status With the Dept.

The Tasley Volunteer Fire Department has issued a statement regarding the status of Charles R. Smith aka Charles R. Applegate.

It says:

  Charles R. Smith, also known as Charles R. Applegate, is a former active member of the Tasley Volunteer Fire Co. and has not participated in any company related activities over the course of the last nearly three years. 

Due to his total lack of interest and participation Charles was removed from the roster for 2012 and considered to be inactive.  

This inactivity includes emergency response operations, company related functions, company community interaction and company communications. Given Mr. Smiths current inactive status and lack of involvement for nearly three years with the company, he was scheduled, along with any other inactive member to be removed from membership in the Spring of 2013 in accordance with company bylaws.

Smith is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail accused of arson in a fire near Melfa on Monday April 1, 2013 along with his companion Tonya Bundick. Smith has confessed to setting many of the 76 arson fires that began in November 2012. 

Other charges are pending.

Source;

Miss and Little Miss Pocomoke Pageants TONIGHT !

Don't forget the Miss and Little Miss Pocomoke Pageants

 are tonight!

 

Saturday  April 6, 2013
6:30 PM
Pocomoke High School

 

 

Tickets are available at the door for $8
or in advance for $7
 at Shore Cut, Enchanted Florist and Schers

Good luck to all contestants!

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Apr. 5th, 2013

Gun Bill Overview

by Delegate Mike McDermott

 

What are the provisions of the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill? The following is a general overview to help you navigate the most significant changes to firearms laws in Maryland following changes made through SB-281 as it passed in the House of Delegates and received concurrance in the Senate.

Firearms/Magazine Changes

• Exempts all law enforcement officers (active and retired) as well as military personnel from the provisions and restrictions of this act.
• Designates certain rifles as “Assault Long Guns” on a compiled list which currently contains 45 firearms (including many popular firearms such as the AR-15 and the SKS as well as any of their “Copy Cats”), and bans these delineated firearms for sale in Maryland as of October 1, 2013.
• Continues the current ban on “Assault Pistols” as delineated on the ban list (has been in effect since 1994).
• Restricts magazine capacities for all firearms to 10-rounds or less and prohibits the sale of any magazine capable of holding more than 10-rounds.
• Assault weapons may be transferred through inheritance, and the heir may take possession of the firearm so long as they are not otherwise disqualified from possessing a Regulated Firearm.
• Assault weapons and magazines may be sold to persons out of state.
• A person who has purchased or otherwise ordered a banned firearm prior to the October 1, 2013 Effective Date will still be allowed to receive the firearm and possess it even after the Effective Date.

Manufacturers of Firearms

• Manufacturing facilities are generally exempt from the requirements of this bill.

Licensing Requirements

• Creates a Handgun Qualification License. In order to purchase a Regulated Firearm (handgun) a person will need to take a Firearm’s Orientation Class consisting of 4-hours of classroom and range training which will cover: state firearm laws, home firearm  safety,handgun mechanisms and operations. The range component of the training includes orientation specific to the firearm involving safe handling. (If someone previously owned a Regulated Firearm, the Firearms Safety and Orientation Class is not required. Also the Maryland Hunter Safety Class/Certification can be taken in lieu of the Firearms Safety/Orientation Class as required.) The person seeking  licensure must also fill out the appropriate application with the Maryland State Police and submit a full set of digital fingerprints. Following a full background check and revue of the applicant and completion of the Safety/Orientation Class, the Secretary of Public Safety shall issue the applicant a Handgun Qualification License which shall be good for 10-years. There are fees associated with this licensure process: $50.00 for the Application Submission coupled with additional fees to be payable to the Central Repository for fingerprint review as well as a separate fee charge for the FBI for their review. There will also be a charge for having the fingerprints received into the system. While some of the fees fluctuate, it is clear the cost for an initial Handgun Qualification License will cost well over $100 payable at the time of the application.

Ammunition Changes

• Bans a person from possessing any ammunition if they are disqualified from possessing a Regulated Firearm.
• Bans certain types of bullet compositions (so called “cop killer” bullets)

Mental Health Provisions:

• Restricts a person who is the subject of an Involuntary Commitment from possessing any firearm and requires them to surrender any firearms in their possession to law enforcement for safe keeping. It also provides for a way for an individual to be granted relief from being Disqualified to possess a firearm. This process involves a hearing review and there are fees associated with this process.

• Applies these restrictions to persons under a Current Ex Parte Order and Orders for Protection.