Maryland Senate overrides veto of long gun background checks

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate voted Tuesday to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a measure requiring background checks on rifle and shotgun sales in the state.

The Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, voted 31-16 to override the Republican governor’s veto.

Under current Maryland law, private sales of rifles and shotguns by unlicensed sellers do not require a background check.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure closes a loophole that makes it too easy for those who are legally prohibited from having guns to obtain rifles and shotguns from unlicensed sellers through sales arranged online or at guns shows.