Montgomery County is facing an epidemic of gun violence, which, in line with national trends, has become exacerbated following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 alone, Montgomery County has seen 15 homicides linked to firearms. Montgomery County Police have recovered 727 guns, of which 105 are Privately Manufactured Firearms (PMFs), also known as ghost guns. These numbers show a significant increase over last year’s data. In all of 2021, the department recovered a total of 1,192 guns, of which 72 were PMFs. In 2021, the Council unanimously passed legislation spearheaded by Councilmember Albornoz that would restrict the sale and transfer of ghost guns to minors. This legislation was followed by the Maryland legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 387 in March 2022, which closes a dangerous loophole that makes it difficult for law enforcement to protect the public, by banning ghost guns statewide.

“I continue to believe that guns create immeasurably more problems, often with tragic outcomes, than they attempt to solve,” said Council President Albornoz. “This legislation will help to ensure that we do everything possible to minimize the amount of guns in our public space. I have confidence that our Maryland General Assembly will take action, but given the urgency of gun violence in our community, I felt strongly that we could not wait to take action at the local level.”

This historic legislation, spearheaded by Councilmember Tom Hucker and Council President Gabe Albornoz, aims to curb climate change effects and facilitate the County’s efforts to reach its climate goals. All Councilmembers cosponsored the legislation.

“This legislation will require all bills and zoning text amendments to have a climate impact assessment, which will ensure our policies are made through a lens of sustainability and equity,” said Councilmember Hucker, who chairs the Transportation and Environment Committee. “These are the type of systematic changes needed to meet our ambitious climate goals.”