A new bill would require gun stores in the county to provide buyers with information about suicide prevention.
The Suicide Awareness and Firearm Education (SAFE) Act was introduced Tuesday by County Council President Evan Glass.
The legislation would require gun and ammunition retailers in the county to display and distribute pamphlets on suicide prevention and how to get help.
The county’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) would develop literature about firearm safety and suicide prevention, and sellers would have to show and distribute it at points of sale, according to council documents. DHHS would be able to issue civil citations as enforcement.
Glass said 42% of suicides in Maryland are done with a firearm, as stated by Prevent Firearm Suicide.
“We’ve had enough thoughts and prayers,” he said during a council meeting Tuesday.
Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles noted that neighboring Frederick County recently had a suicide occur at a gun shop. This month, the Frederick News-Post reported that a person died by suicide at The Machine Gun Nest, an indoor shooting range and gun store.
There are 77 gun stores in the county, according to Glass.
Glass is lead sponsor of the bill, with co-sponsors in Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Kate Stewart, Sayles, Sidney Katz, Marilyn Balcombe, Will Jawando, Dawn Luedtke and Council Vice President Andrew Friedson.
A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 10.
September is national Suicide Prevention Month.
