TOWSON, MD—At the Baltimore County Council meeting on Tuesday night, Councilman David Marks successfully passed an amendment that eliminated all proposed fees from County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s gun security bill.

The legislation sought by the County Executive requires broader security requirements for firearms retailers and gun shows.

During Christmas week, Councilman Marks met with every gun retailer affected in his district, as well as the FreeState Gun Range in Middle River.

“During my conversations with gun retailers, each owner expressed concern about the possibility of future administrations levying high fees to put them out of business,” Councilman Marks said. “I support gun security, but will not endorse using taxes and regulation to push gun retailers to extinction.”

The amendment passed by a 6-to-1 vote.

Councilman Marks also supported an amendment by fellow Republican Councilman Wade Kach that provides financial assistance for retailers who need help constructing security barriers, such as bollards, that may be needed to prevent vehicles from crashing into buildings to steal firearms.