Firing Guns in Howard County
This just passed on 2/2/2009.
(a) A PERSON SHALL NOT discharge any gun
within the metropolitan district, whether the gun is loaded with fixed or blank
ammunition or projectiles of any kind.(D) A PERSON SHALL NOT, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PROPERTY
OWNER, DISCHARGE A GUN ON, FROM, ONTO, OR ACROSS ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LAND.
[[(d)]] (E) This section shall not apply to:
(1) The discharge of guns at any target, trap or skeet range or shooting area
which has been inspected and received the written approval of the
department of inspections, licenses and permits pursuant to section 8.405,
“Authority To Inspect and Approve Ranges or Shooting Areas,” of this
subtitle; or to
(2) The discharge of guns by any person in a private basement or cellar target
range; or to
(3) The discharge of guns where necessary to protect life or [[property]]
PROPERTY, INCLUDING CROPS OR LIVESTOCK, or to kill any dangerous
threatening animal; or to
(4) Any duly authorized law enforcement officer acting in the proper
performance of his/her official duties; or to
(5) The discharge of blank ammunition in theatrical performances, historical
reenactments or sporting events; or to
(6) The firing of salutes by firing squads at military funerals; or to
(7) The discharge of guns by any person engaged in bona fide wildlife
research activities.
So, is a human being an animal? Well, technically, yes. But legally, probably not. Therefore, you could probably be guilty of a Class A offense under Title 24, Subtitle 1 if you ever use a gun in self-defense in Howard county, and there is no provision for concealed carry licenses, even though people have them here in Maryland. I wonder what the penalty is for that…
Sec. 24.107. Fines.
I. Amount of Fine: Unless another amount for a specific violation has been established by law or regulation, the civil fine shall be in the amount shown below:
| Class of Offense | Minimum Fine | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| A | $500 | $1000 |
So, if I value $500-$1000 less than my life, I should take the risk. Good to know.
