Maryland lawmakers on two panels advanced a gun-control measure that is a top priority of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee voted 27-18 on Friday night for the bill. That sends the measure to the House of Delegates to consider next week.
For the most part, Democratic lawmakers rejected a variety of proposed changes offered by Republicans.
In the end, key provisions were left intact. They include a requirement for future handgun buyers to submit fingerprints to the state police, a ban on assault weapons and limiting magazine rounds to 10 bullets.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
