Maryland Senate panel approves sweeping gun restrictions

A Maryland Senate panel approved a sweeping gun control bill, loosening some of the restrictions proposed by Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley while imposing tough new regulations on gun ownership by the mentally ill.

O’Malley’s gun control proposal would impose strict new regulations on firearm ownership, including requiring a license for handgun ownership and banning assault-style weapons. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee approved the bill 7-4, after five hours of debate Thursday night on amendments to the measure.