New Gun Law Requires Anne Arundel Dealers To Give Safety, Mental Health Information

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County recently passed a law requiring gun dealers to distribute safety, mental health and conflict resolution information with each sale.

County Council Chair Lisa Rodvien (D-6) led the push. The council passed the bill unanimously.

County Executive Steuart Pittman signed the legislation into law on Jan. 10. It takes effect on April 10.

"Guns are the most common means in suicide deaths," Pittman said Monday on Facebook. "In Anne Arundel County suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all gun fatalities."

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health will now create literature on:

• Gun safety
• Firearm training
• Suicide prevention
• Mental health
• Conflict resolution

Health officials will soon share those materials with every county business that sells guns or ammunition.

Firearm dealers then must display these resources at the point of sale. They will also have to give the pamphlets to everybody who buys firearms or ammunition.

The health department may issue citations to business owners who don't comply.

"This partnership between Anne Arundel County Department of Health and local gun dealers will provide our residents with potentially lifesaving resources," Pittman said. "This great work would not be possible without the many incredible advocates who work every day to prevent gun violence in our county."

The county executive thanked Rodvien and these activists for their work:

• Gun Violence Intervention Team
• Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
• Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
• NO HARM

"Thank you Anne Arundel County for doing everything you can to reduce gun violence in our communities," Alexandra Matiella Novak commented.

Opponents think the legislation is an overreach that doesn't address violence from black market weapons.

"You do absolutely nothing about gang related crimes involving firearms," Wayne Long responded. "Pat yourself on the back Comrade"

The law is posted at this link.

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