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Council updates county code on firearms near minors, passes bill 10–1
Summary
To conform with a Maryland Supreme Court ruling and maintain enforceable local rules for places of public assembly and minors, the County Council passed Bill 23-26 by a 10–1 vote, keeping local regulatory tools for specific public sites.
The Montgomery County Council voted 10–1 on July 21 to adopt Bill 23-26, updating county law on restrictions related to firearms near minors and in places of public assembly to conform with a recent Maryland Supreme Court decision while preserving authority to regulate certain local facilities.
Councilmembers and staff said the bill does not add new prohibitions beyond state law where preemption applies but refines local provisions so enforcement remains viable in parks, libraries, schools and other places of public assembly. Councilmember Sales asked how compliance would be verified in parks and places without metal detectors; staff and sponsors said enforcement typically relies on signage, administrative measures and complaint-based enforcement, with security procedures for buildings that have screening.
The Public Safety Committee recommended enactment with amendments, and the council moved the bill to final reading. The roll-call recorded one 'no' vote (Councilmember Sales), with the remainder in favor.
