Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates testified before the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday in favor of a bill to strengthen sentences for illegally possessing a gun. Bates proposed bill, which is sponsored by several city delegates, would raise the maximum penalty for illegal gun possession from three to five years for anyone 21 and older. The coordinator of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association also testified yesterday, saying all 24 of the state’s elected prosecutors support Bates’ bill.