Howard County, Md Lifts Ban On Sale Of Tasers and Stun Guns

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WBFF) - A vote by the Howard County Council could change the way you can protect yourself on the streets of Maryland.

The council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to lift its ban on the sale of tasers and stun guns. The council held an emergency meeting on the matter last week. They introduced legislation to get rid of the ban and Tuesday held a public hearing before the vote.

A federal lawsuit filed in late January triggered the council's move to repeal the ban.
Elizabeth Baran, a Howard County resident, is suing Baltimore City and Baltimore County, which have electronic bans in effect, to allow her to carry a stun gun. Howard County is also named in that lawsuit.
Baran, a domestic violence survivor, argues tasters are essential for self-defense.
She spoke out after learning Howard Count has voted to lift that ban.

"I'm obviously very happy," said Baran. "It allows people an option to protect themselves. It gives me a non-lethal option."
Jen Terrasa was the only council member who voted to keep the ban in place. She said the bill was being rushed through without proper discussion.
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In March, the Supreme Court suggested that stun guns and tasers are protected under the Second Amendment.