Maryland's Democrat-controlled state legislature overturned a veto of a controversial bill that will require a licensed firearms dealer to get involved in almost all private transfers of rifles and shotguns.

State lawmakers last week voted 88-46 to overturn Republican Gov. Larry Hogan's veto on SB 208, three more than was needed. 

The expanded background check law prohibits a person from transferring a rifle or shotgun to another individual unless a NICS background check had first taken place. Those found guilty of doing so face as much as six months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Few exceptions to the law, such as for police or military service, or for inoperable guns given to a museum, are allowed.

"Starting on March 13, 2021, private sales and permanent transfers between residents of long guns will need to be facilitated by an FFL at your cost," explains Maryland Shall Issue, a state pro-2A organization, in an alert.  

During the law's legislative process, a number of target clubs testified unfavorably against SB 208, holding that it stood to end youth competitive shooting teams in Maryland, pointing out that even junior-level small-bore target rifles can start at $1,900, a prohibitive cost for budding young marksmen. 

National anti-gun groups backed by billionaire former Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg welcomed the news. Organs such as Everytown and Moms Demand Action have stumped and held rallies in favor of overturning Hogan's veto.