Sponsored By: Delegates Wayne Norman and Mary-Dulany James as well as Wendell R. Beitzel, Don H. Dwyer, Jr., Adelaide C. Eckardt, William J. Frank, Kevin Kelly, Tony McConkey, Kelly Schulz, and Michael H. Weir, Jr.
Entitled: Courts – Bankruptcy – Arms
Synopsis: Authorizing a person to claim an exemption in specified bankruptcy proceedings for arms in an amount not to exceed $2,000 in value; and applying the Act prospectively.
From the Sponsor: Norman said that, in a bankruptcy, people get to keep about $12,000 worth of “stuff”, which is called exempt property.
“Government determined this $12,000 (more or less) is the bare minimum people in Maryland are entitled to just to survive. My bill says they get to keep the same $12,000 more or less of “stuff,” but they also get to keep an additional $2,000 worth of “arms” in a Constitutional context, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment,” Norman said.
“It won’t happen much, but Marylanders will not be forced into having to choose between exempting the family shotgun or keeping a toaster oven instead,” he added.
Dave says
Are you kidding me?!? Don’t you have something better to do?
Harfordmom says
OMG!! Are you serious?! This is your what you come up with – wow, I just lost so much more respect for the/our government (if that’s possible) – please go do something you can be proud of and make a real difference – or get out.
LAGIB says
Norm,
you really are a fool. How the hell did you somehow get elected? Those who voted for Norm, wake up and stop yourself next election.
pizzle says
“It won’t happen much, but Marylanders will not be forced into having to choose between exempting the family shotgun or keeping a toaster oven instead”
If your toaster costs as much as your shotgun that might explain why you’re bankrupt. And, if “it won’t happen much”, then why expend the energy to write legislation “protecting” us against it? Thanks for lookin’ out for me….where would I be without your ever-steady hand helping to guide me along?
Matt says
And this helps fix the economy and get Marylanders back to work how? All of the mentioned Representatives campaigned on fixing the economy and lowering unemployment, how does this help. If this is what the Tea Party political movement is about I will take a moderate Republican and RINO any day.
fogdog says
It is our fault to keep voting losers into office. No one needs 2,000 dollars of used guns for protection. If a person is stupid enough to spend this amount of money for guns they should go bankrupt.
They make it sound as if a toster is equal in value to a gun!
Guns do not protect people. What protects people is creating a society of highly educated, caring, intelligent and hard working citizens who will vote highly educated, caring, intelligent and hard working citizens into office instead of these dummies.
Big Al says
FogDog,
Unfortunately what you believe has never and will never come true. There will always be evil people, crooked cops, politicians, and so. I’ll keep my 12 guage, thank you very much.
I do agree that this bill is a waste of time. Politcians should be focused on real issues. We really do need a change in leadership.
fogdog says
Good luck…Always carry your shotgun loaded at all times even in the shower. I have found a dog is much better defense than a gun.
pizzle says
Don’t want to hijack this topic, but….A dog may be a great “deterrent”, but a shotgun is better “defense” (IMO)….meaning….if an intruder is already in my home then they are likely not worried about the dog or have already determined how they’re going to take care of the dog….so I’ll take the shotgun over the dog any day for DEFENSE. I’ve got both, so I guess I feel reasonably safe.
Frank says
The NRA is supporting this bill and is asking members to testify for it. Maryland does not believe in the Second Amendment so at least something might be done for it.
vietnam vet says
A shot gun up close & personal is to say the least ”Messy”
Meghan of HarCo says
I support my right to gun ownership. I am also well aware of the economic state and the Americans that are facing Bankruptcy because of it. I am in support of this bill, as a gun owning citizen who is, as all of us, in a current hardship.
NRA FAN says
I am a member of the NRA and I will support Norman.
At least he is producing bills, there are Harford County Delegates that have been there for years, and have not yet written one..Good or Bad.
Just a thought.
walter young says
if i had to file bankruptcy, the last thing i’d give up is my shotgun. the house, the car and everything else are secondary. an extra exemption for guns is a great idea. i don’t hunt. for me, guns are “a counterweight to tyranny.”
lookingoutforourselves says
Delegate,
I hope you and your colleagues support HB 241/SB 240 Criminal Law
–Restrictions Against Use and Possession of Firearms, that would enhance penalties for those in possession of firearms who have previous firearm convictions. Its about time that Maryland law really punished those criminals from committing the same or similar types of crimes with firearms. Please support this bill and encourage your constituents to see the light. Even the NRA won’t oppose this one. Thanks!