Letter to Joseph F. Vallario, Jr, Chair of the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, and Kathleen M. Dumais., Vice Chair of the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, and Commitee Members - Testimony on Maryland Gun Safety Legislation

Letter

Dear Chairman Vallario, Vice Chair Dumais, and Committee Members:

I write today to submit my testimony in strong support of HB 1001 Criminal Procedure - Firearms -- Transfer. I commend Delegate William C. Smith, Jr. for introducing this bill that would require anyone convicted of domestic violence to turn in their weapons to federally licensed dealers or law enforcement within two days after conviction. This bill will keep dangerous weapons from dangerous people and will save lives if enacted.

In 2014, there were over twenty-four thousand reported domestic assaults in Maryland. We know that a conviction for domestic violence is not a deterrent against future abuse. In fact, the recidivism rate for those convicted of domestic violence is staggering: between sixty and sixty-five percent will commit domestic violence after a conviction. Between June 2014 and July 2015, fifty-five percent of domestic violence incidents resulting in homicide in Maryland involved the use of a firearm.

This proposed law targets a population of convicted violent offenders that we know are likely to commit violent crimes in the future. We know that the victims of these violent acts are spouses, partners, or children. In other words, Maryland families are at risk from these abusers having access to firearms.

Thank you for everything you do for our state, and for anything you can do protect victims of domestic violence in Maryland.

Sincerely,

Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress

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