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Baltimore Co. leaders repeal ban on tasers, stun guns

Posted at 11:35 PM, Apr 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-04 06:19:19-04

Baltimore County officials voted Monday night to repeal an existing county ban on stun guns in response to a federal lawsuit filed by some Baltimore area residents.

The unanimous vote makes it again legal to carry and use a taser or stun gun.  Lawmakers say they weren't about to go against a Supreme Court ruling that says they're protected under the Second Amendment.

"Basically we had a ban and someone sued and so now since they won in the Supreme Court, all jurisdictions are removing the bans," said Baltimore County Councilman, Julian Jones. 

There are certain criteria that need to be met before one can obtain one.  But officials and residents both think the repeal is beneficial.

"That  sounds like a good idea to me as an alternative to handguns. I think it's a safer way for people to defend themselves without causing a lot of unintended consequences," said Baltimore County resident, Mike Rosendorf.

Willard Knight, another resident, said, "There are always going to be people who use things in a bad way but it's still I think for the better for the people who feel comfortable with it."

Baltimore County banned tasers back in 2009. Howard County lifted its ban in February.  Anne Arundel County was the first to lift the ban on tasers and stun guns doing so back in 2013.