Brady Applauds Passage of Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act in Baltimore County Council

Baltimore, Maryland, January 21, 2020 – Today, Brady applauds the Baltimore County Council for passing the Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act, the first legislation of its kind in Maryland that would ensure that licensed dealers implement effective security measures to prevent against gun theft.

Brady Legal Counsel for Policy Christa Nicols, who testified in support of the bill, shared:

“The County Council’s actions today recognize that there are common-sense solutions available to reduce violence in Baltimore County and keep residents safe. The SAFE Act includes these solutions, helping to ensure that the county works with licensed gun dealers to implement security measures proven to reduce gun theft. Brady is glad that the County Council has taken this sensible step to ensure that fewer guns are stolen and diverted to the criminal market in Maryland.”

The SAFE Act, Bill No. 72-19, will enact reasonable requirements for licensed gun dealers to ensure that inventory is secured and appropriately monitored. Laws that require firearms dealers to secure their inventory have been proven effective.

From 2012 to 2016, there were 10 recorded firearms stolen from licensed firearm dealers in the state of New Jersey, a state that has implemented comprehensive security mandates such as those in the SAFE Act. Maryland had 354 stolen firearms recorded during that same period. These efforts also work to combat a growing trend. Burglaries of licensed gun dealers increased by 48 percent between 2012 and 2016, while robberies increased by 175 percent, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Baltimore County alone saw seven firearms stores burglarized ten times over the last two years. Once stolen, guns cannot be traced by law enforcement and are often used for illicit purposes, reducing their theft will protect public safety.


Following the County Council’s action today, the SAFE Act will go to County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. for signature.

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Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.


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