Public Hearings - CHR 2-2016 Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers

PUBLIC HEARING
CHR 2-2016 PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS

A public hearing was held today at 6:18 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room, County Government Center, 400 High Street, Chestertown, MD, for the purpose of discussing the proposed amendment to CHR 2-2016 Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers which is AN ACT to amend Section 8 of Chapter 120 Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers of the Code of Public Local Laws of Kent County. The purpose of this amendment is to amend and clarify the recordkeeping requirements of regulated businesses under this Chapter, to provide a minimum value for items subject to recordkeeping requirements, and generally relating to Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers and the regulation of the purchase, sale, recordkeeping, and reporting of certain transactions involving used items of value within Kent County.

County Commissioners, William W. Pickrum, Ronald H. Fithian and William A. Short were in attendance as well as Shelley Herman, County Administrator and Thomas Yeager, County Attorney.

Commissioner Pickrum read the notice of public hearing into record. The rules for public hearings are in effect.

Commissioner Pickrum invited comments and questions from the audience. Sheriff John Price and Alex Smolens, Proprietor, Atlantek Computer Systems, LLC, stated that they both agree with the amendments. No one signed the testimony log.

Mr. Yeager summarized the legislation includes a minimum value threshold, reduction to one form of identification, and stylistic amendments. Ms. Herman inquired as to whether further definitions of pawnbroker or secondhand dealer should be made to the proposed bill due to concerns that have been raised. Mr. Yeager questioned whether a licensed regulated gunsmith would fall under these regulations. Commissioner Pickrum stated that with this legislation and what is already established in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), there is no conflict. Mr. Yeager suggested that a licensed firearms dealer should be exempted from the bill to avoid any misunderstanding and Sheriff Price agreed. Mr. Yeager suggested that future legislation could be considered, if the Commissioners desire to do so.

Written comments will be accepted in the County Commissioners’ Office until Friday, March 11, 2016, at 12:00 p.m.

The hearing was taped for reference and the Commissioners adjourned the public hearing at 6:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk

Approved:
William W. Pickrum, President
The County Commissioners
of Kent County, Maryland