Gun owners in Baltimore whose firearms are stolen would be required to report the theft to police under legislation approved by the City Council yesterday—despite questions about whether the proposal is legal.
Supporters, including Mayor Sheila Dixon, say the bill will help police track stolen weapons used in crimes, but the city’s law department has questioned whether Baltimore can legislate gun control, typically a state issue.
Problem: There would be legal penalties for gunowners who didn’t reports thefts, criminalizing victims.
