ANNAPOLIS, Md. -
A Maryland Senate committee has approved a change to a sweeping gun-control measure that would prohibit someone from owning a handgun if the person has been involuntarily committed for any duration for mental health reasons.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee approved the amendment backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley in a late-night voting session on Thursday. The bill that is a top priority of the governor this session.
The committee wrangled over how to address gun ownership for people who are voluntarily committed. But they did not arrive at a consensus to change the current law, which prohibits them from owning a gun if they were voluntarily in a mental hospital for more than 30 days.
