Title
AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH AND FIREARM SAFETY LITERATURE for the purpose of requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare and distribute certain literature to establishments that sell firearms or ammunition; adding certain display and distribution requirements for sellers of firearms or ammunition; authorizing enforcement by the Department of Health and Human Services; making a civil violation for noncompliance; and generally relating to public safety.
Background
Recognizing the raising and untenable rates of firearm violence, suicide, and other violent acts committed in large part to mental health illness there needs to be legislative intervention. Firearm violence and suicide are a public health crisis that demands great effort to prevent further firearm violence and suicide from plaguing the County. Information published to the public about the dangers of firearms and suicide prevention is the fist step in curbing firearm violence and suicide. This bill will help bring awareness to firearm violence, suicide awareness, and other violent acts.
This bill is modeled after Anne Arundel County's SAFE ACT law that was enacted on January 10, 2022. Shortly after enactment, four (4) owners of gun stores filed a lawsuit against Anne Arundel County challenging the constitutionality of the law. In particular, the plaintiff's argued the law violates the First Amendment by compelling speech and furthering the opinions of the County. After the plaintiff's lost on summary judgment they filed an appeal in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments where heard on October 13, 2023, and the parties are awaiting the court's opinion.