“Today’s bill passage sends a clear and concise message that the members of the Maryland General Assembly, and the residents they represent, are as concerned as I am about the surge in gun violence happening across our state.

“I am grateful to the members of the MGA, especially the leadership, including Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Adrienne Jones, as well as my bill sponsors, Delegate Frank Conaway Jr. and Senator Cory McCray, for passing this legislation and bringing uniformity to this law by ensuring that everyone over eighteen is held accountable for possessing an illegal firearm. And I look forward to Governor Wes Moore signing this legislation when it arrives on his desk. 

“This is just one tool in a larger toolbox but an essential first step in the overall fight our attorneys can use as they work to prosecute violent offenders.

“My administration will remain laser-focused on cleaning up the streets of Baltimore and fighting for the residents of this city who are no longer willing to tolerate the level of gun violence we have seen over the past eight years.” - Ivan J. Bates, State's Attorney