Maryland is leading the way nationally with a new law that requires built-in locks for handguns and other mechanical deterrents, as well as retailing restrictions to prevent illegal or unauthorized use. The law was the fulfillment of a campaign pledge made years ago by Gov. Parris Glendening. The proposed legislation is a good idea. But it needs more thorough preparation, as Maryland's had, before it is pushed to a vote.
Most guns already have an internal trigger-locking mechanism called a safety.
It is designed to prevent accidental discharge. They allow use of the weapon only by the person who possesses the key to unlock the mechanism. With a standard trigger lock, that is literally a small key. Its advent is closer now, but Delaware lawmakers would probably be wise to word any legislation in a way to require such technology only if it is available, tested and viable by 2003. Otherwise, opponents will argue correctly that the bill is unrealistic.