ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is urging Maryland lawmakers to pass a gun control measure that would ban assault weapons, limit magazine rounds and create a new licensing requirement for handguns buyers.

Continue reading

The bill would also prohibit anyone who has been involuntarily committed due to mental illness from possessing a firearm.

Brown, flanked by law enforcement officials, spoke to reporters Thursday in Annapolis.

The lieutenant governor, a Democrat, says the bill would help keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

The state Senate passed the gun control legislation last month.

The measure now awaits votes from two committees in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Supporters of the bill say that the proposed legislation will save lives. Opponents argue that the measure infringes on their Second Amendment rights.