Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Tuesday signed Expedited Bill 23-26E, updating the County’s firearms law to comply with a Maryland Supreme Court ruling while preserving the strongest local gun restrictions allowed under State law.
The measure, sponsored by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke (District 7) and approved by the County Council on July 21, keeps 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 the Court determined must be regulated by the State.
The legislation 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, as required by the Court’s decision, and creates a limited travel exemption for concealed-carry permit holders traveling on public highways through restricted areas.
“Our commitment to public safety has not changed,” said County Executive Marc 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.”
Councilmember Luedtke said the legislation is intended to keep Montgomery County’s firearms laws enforceable while maintaining local protections authorized under State law. Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada, Board of Education member Rita Montoya and Maria Pekala of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America–Montgomery County Local Group also participated in Tuesday’s bill signing ceremony.
