ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Prince George’s County lawmakers are coping with the gun violence gripping their communities as legislators in Annapolis debate the merits of a far-reaching gun bill backed by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Maryland senators on Thursday approved a sweeping gun control bill that would ban assault weapons in the state and create a licensing provision for handguns, requiring gun buyers to submit fingerprints to state police.

If passed, the gun law would be among the strictest firearm laws in the country.

The gun bill currently awaits approval by the House of Delegates.

A total of six high school students have died in Prince George’s County as a result of gun violence since the school year began.

Lawmakers say there are no easy fixes, but discussions are being held.

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