2016 SB 13, sponsored by Senator Simonaire, proposes that the Maryland State Police notify certain members of the Maryland General Assembly when requesting military surplus equipment.
(B) THE STATE COORDINATOR SHALL GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE DELEGATION CHAIRS FOR THE AREA OR AREAS WITHIN WHICH A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY HAS JURISDICTION WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SUBMITS A REQUEST FOR, AND WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WILL BE AWARDED:
- (1) AN ARMORED VEHICLE;
- (2) A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE;
- (3) A FIREARM;
- (4) A HIGH MOBILITY MULTIPURPOSE WHEELED VEHICLE; OR
- (5) A BAYONET OR COMBAT KNIFE.
The bill eliminates the People from the equation. The People, if this bill passes, are not notified if the Maryland State Police ask for or receive military surplus equipment, including armored vehicles. Government needs to be accountable to the People.
Additionally, this bill does not require disclosure of any strings attached - sometimes, equipment transfers come with agreements.
Update 3/8/16 - Unfavorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
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