Toy guns that look like the real thing could be banned under a bill introduced by lawmakers in Baltimore, Maryland. The replica guns have been the key cause of a number of police-involved shooting of children such as Cleveland’s Tamir Rice, which lead to national protests.
Under the bill, which was voted through unanimously by Baltimore City Council on Monday, owning, carrying or otherwise possessing a replica gun that could "reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm" could result in a $250 fine for a first offense, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Fines would rise to $1,000 for second and subsequent offenses.
"If we had our way, we would ban all handguns in the city of Baltimore. We just don’t have the authority to do it," said Baltimore City Councilman Jim Kraft, D-District 1, who sponsored the bill.
The idea for the legislation started in April after Baltimore police shot a 13-year-old boy who was carrying a replica gun. Police said the boy was carrying a spring-air-powered BB gun that resembled a semiautomatic pistol. He survived the shooting.
The committee approved several amendments, including an amendment that excludes guns that are clearly toys or replicas used for training purposes or paintball.
"We’re hoping that the only time a person would have a gun is if it were to be a real gun," Kraft told WBAL.
Kraft said the bill was a way to protect city youth and “to get the replica guns off the street.”
(rt.com)
