It appears the Firearm Safety Act of 2013, introduced by Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley is the catalyst behind Beretta’s plan to leave Accokeek, MD and relocate its facilities elsewhere. The proposed legislation would ban the sale of modern semiautomatic rifles and limit magazine capacities to 10 rounds. Passage of the Firearm Safety Act of 2013 would make it illegal for Beretta to manufacture and sell its new ARX-160. Beretta also manufactures the military’s M9 at the Accokeek facility. The move would mean a loss of 400 jobs and $31 million in tax revenue. Compounding the problem is the impact of Beretta’s departure on its supply channel, which translates to even more job losses and lost revenues.

However, one segment of Maryland’s population will be glad to see the  Firearm Safety Act of 2013 pass and that’s its criminal element. Maryland is blessed with one of the highest crime rates in the country and a growing gang presence. If Governor Martin O’Malley has his way that trend will continue.