Background checks, economic study and PANDAS coverage get legislative approval

ANNAPOLIS — As lawmakers fast-tracked legislation to meet an early adjournment last week, several bills were approved that were of interest to local residents.

• Background checks for long gun purchases

Background checks would be required even for private purchases of rifles and shotguns under a bill approved March 18. The measure requires that a licensed firearms dealer must process the sale and conduct a background check.

Exceptions include inherited weapons or transfers between immediate family members, certain law enforcement officers and members of the military, specified relics or weapons rendered permanently inoperable.

Violations carry a penalty of a $10,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.

All six Washington County legislators voted against the measure. It is set to become effective Oct. 1.

• Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland

Sponsored by Del. Jason Buckel, R-Allegany, this legislation establishes a panel within the Maryland Department of Commerce to study the economic climate in Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties and make recommendations for expanding economic opportunities.

All three counties posted higher unemployment rates than the statewide average for 2019, with lower median incomes and average weekly wages than the statewide figures.

The task force is to report its findings to the governor and the General Assembly on or before Jan. 1.

• PANDAS coverage

A quest by a Boonsboro youth to require coverage for treatment of a specialized pediatric ailment paid off this year.

A measure requiring the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as PANDAS, won unanimous approval.

Lucas Murdock, 11, had traveled to Annapolis during the last two legislative sessions to testify in favor of the legislation.

Lucas told the House Health and Government Operations Committee that a particular treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin, had "almost made my symptoms disappear."

He had not had the treatments when he testified before the same committee last year, but his family knew he might need them.

Lucas told the committee that before the treatments, he had missed school for his entire fourth-grade year and had to be taught at home because his symptoms became so severe "I could not even leave my house."

The bill sponsors hope that by mandating Medicaid payments for these treatments other insurers would also provide coverage. Costs for the treatments can exceed $15,000 — each.

The measure is set to become effective Jan. 1.