May 17th, 2013 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed a gun control bill Thursday that is considered to be one of the strictest laws in the nation. The bill is one of 250 pieces of legislation the governor signed in a ceremony on Thursday morning. The National Rifle Association and other opponents say they will immediately challenge the measure in court, a move that would prevent the bill from taking effect as scheduled on October 1. A Montgomery County woman is also organizing a petition drive to get the issue on the ballot next year. The bill bans 45 different kinds of assault style weapons; limits gun magazine clips to 10 rounds; requires hand gun purchasers to submit fingerprints and obtain a license from the Maryland State Police; and it also prevents those who are mentally ill from buying firearms. Governor O'Malley said the bill is "common sense" legislation, noting it balances public safety with Second Amendment rights…