35 total bills, 2 anti-gun bills,
18 pro-gun bills for this session
Proposed Maryland Firearm Legislation
35 total bills, 2 anti-gun bills,
18 pro-gun bills for this session
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Filter: Click on bill number for details. jump to upper chamber
note: Maryland does not carry over legislation from session to session
Title: Regulated Firearms - Licensed Dealer or Secondary Seller - National Instant Criminal Background (NICS) Check
Description: Authorizing a specified licensed firearms dealer or secondary seller to conditionally sell, rent, or transfer a firearm to a firearm applicant under specified circumstances; prohibiting a licensee or secondary seller from selling, renting, or transferring a firearm under specified circumstances; requiring a licensee or secondary seller to notify a firearms applicant that an application has been approved or disapproved; requiring the firearms applicant to return a firearm within 10 days of notice of disapproval; etc.
Last Action: Unfavorable Report by Judiciary; Withdrawn
Last Action Date: February 16, 2015
Title: Firearms - Digital Fingerprint Record - Permit Renewal
Description: Requiring the Secretary of State Police to take and maintain a set of digital fingerprints for each applicant for a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun; and specifying that a person who applies for the renewal of a handgun permit is not required to provide a set of fingerprints beyond the digital fingerprints required by a specified provision of law unless the Secretary expressly determines that the applicant must provide a new set of fingerprints to resolve a question of that applicant's identity.
Last Action: Hearing 3/15 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 15, 2016
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Qualification License - Qualified Handgun Instructors and Permit Holders
Description: Establishing that specified provisions relating to a handgun qualification license do not apply to a qualified handgun instructor; establishing that a person may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun without a handgun qualification license if the person is a qualified handgun instructor and is not otherwise prohibited under State or federal law; and requiring the Secretary of State Police to issue a handgun qualification license to a specified person who meets the requirements for a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Assault Weapons - Replacements
Description: Authorizing a person to replace a lost or broken assault weapon that was lawfully possessed in accordance with specified provisions of law if the replacement is registered with the Secretary of State Police.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Crimes - Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime - Diminution Credits and Sentencing
Description: Prohibiting the earning of diminution credits to reduce the term of confinement of an inmate committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction or sentenced to a term of imprisonment in a local correctional facility who is serving a sentence for the use of specified firearms in the commission of specified crimes; prohibiting a court from suspending any part of a specified mandatory minimum sentence; and applying the Act prospectively.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Identification Requirements - Repeal
Description: Repealing a provision of law requiring specified firearms manufacturers and dealers and the Department of State Police to take specified actions relating to identification of handguns; authorizing the Department of State Police to dispose of specified shell casings; and providing the intent of the General Assembly.
Last Action: Third Reading Passed (135-2)
Last Action Date: April 13, 2015
Title: Criminal Procedure - Drug-Related Offenses - Departure From Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Description: Specifying that a person convicted of specified drug-related offenses is not prohibited from participating in a specified drug treatment program; authorizing a court to depart from a specified mandatory minimum sentence under specified circumstances; applying the Act prospectively; and requiring the savings realized as a result of the Act to revert to the General Fund to be used for funding drug treatment programs.
Last Action: Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 490
Last Action Date: May 30, 2015
Title: Handgun Locking Devices - Repeal Exclusivity of Internal Locks - Requirements for External or Internal Lock System
Description: Authorizing the sale, offer for sale, rental, or transfer in the State of a handgun that is sold, offered for sale, rented, or transferred with an external safety lock as an alternative to an integrated mechanical safety device.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Renewal Period for Retired Law Enforcement Officer
Description: Establishing that a handgun permit issued to a retired law enforcement officer of the State or a county or municipal corporation of the State expires on the last day of the holder's birth month following 5 years after the date the permit is issued and may be renewed for successive periods of 5 years, under specified circumstances; and providing that an officer who applies for a permit renewal is not required to be fingerprinted except under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permit Background Investigation - Armored Car Company Employees
Description: Authorizing the Secretary of State Police to accept a criminal background investigation performed on behalf of an armored car company in place of a specified criminal history records check performed by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 404
Last Action Date: May 12, 2015
Title: Firearm Decriminalization Act of 2015
Description: Repealing a specified exception to the prohibition against carrying a deadly weapon on public school property; repealing the prohibition on the possession or use of specified firearm ammunition during and in relation to the commission of a crime of violence; altering the authorization for a person to wear, carry, or transport a handgun; repealing the designation of specified firearms as assault weapons; etc.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Judiciary)
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Police Profiling - "Right-to-Carry" Permit
Description: Establishing that it is not a legitimate law enforcement purpose to use active or historical plate data captured by an automatic license plate reader system that indicates the owner of the vehicle has been issued a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun as the sole basis to stop and question the vehicle's driver.
Last Action: Unfavorable Report by Judiciary
Last Action Date: March 19, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permit - Applicant Qualifications
Description: Repealing the requirement that the Secretary of State Police find that a person has a good and substantial reason to carry, wear, or transport a handgun before issuing a handgun permit to the person.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Handgun Permits - Reciprocity
Description: Specifying that a permit to carry a handgun, including a concealed handgun, issued to an individual by another state is valid in Maryland.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Term
Description: Authorizing the Secretary of State Police to set the date for expiration of a handgun permit under specified circumstances; and clarifying that an expiration date for a handgun permit does not apply if the permit is renewed under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Department of State Police - Handgun Roster Board - Definition of Handgun
Description: Altering the definition of handgun for purposes of provisions relating to the Handgun Roster Board to exclude a shotgun, a rifle, a short-barreled rifle, a short-barreled shotgun, or an antique firearm from the definition.
Last Action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 441
Last Action Date: May 12, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Regulated Firearms and Ammunition - Transport Through State
Description: Specifying that a person who is not a resident of the State and who is not prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm or ammunition for a regulated firearm in the person's state of residence may transport a regulated firearm or ammunition for a regulated firearm through the State to another state under specified circumstances; requiring a person who transports a regulated firearm or ammunition for a regulated firearm under specified circumstances to transport the firearm or ammunition in a specified manner; etc.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Handgun Permits - Firearms Training Course - Renewal Application
Description: Altering the requirements to a 2-hour online refresher course for a firearms training course that an applicant for renewal of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun must successfully complete.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Permit to Carry, Wear, or Transport a Handgun - Qualifications
Description: Clarifying that self-defense can qualify as a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for purposes of the issuance by the Secretary of State Police of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Firearms Safety Training Course - Repeal
Description: Repealing a requirement that a person complete a specified firearms safety training course in order to be issued a handgun qualification license or a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun; and repealing a prohibition on selling, renting, or transferring a regulated firearm to a person that has not completed a specified firearms safety training course.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Honorably Discharged Veterans - Handgun Permits
Description: Providing that an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard is not required to possess a specified handgun qualification license in order to purchase, rent, or receive a specified handgun under specified circumstances; and providing that a specified veteran may use a specified form to demonstrate that the veteran is not required to complete a specified certified firearms training course.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Sales and Use Tax - Tax-Free Periods - Hunting and Sporting Goods
Description: Establishing a sales and use tax exemption period for the 7-day period from the third Sunday in April through the following Saturday for specified hunting and sporting goods shopping in Maryland during which the sales and use tax does not apply to the sale of firearms, fishing supplies, and hunting supplies if the taxable price of the item is less than $1,000; etc.
Last Action: Unfavorable Report by Ways and Means
Last Action Date: March 20, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Renewal of Handgun Permits - Fingerprinting
Description: Specifying that a person who applies for the renewal of a handgun permit is not required to be fingerprinted except under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 10, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Transport of Weapons on School Property - Retired Law Enforcement Officers
Description: Providing that a specified prohibition on carrying or possessing a specified weapon on public school property does not include a specified retired law enforcement officer who is a parent, guardian, or visitor of a student attending a school located on the public school property under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 293
Last Action Date: May 12, 2015
Title: Baltimore City School Police Force - Carrying of Firearms - Scope
Description: Authorizing a Baltimore City school police officer to carry a firearm on the premises of a Baltimore City public school and any other property used for an educational purpose owned, leased, or operated by, or under the control of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners; etc.
Last Action: Unfavorable Report by Judicial Proceedings; Withdrawn
Last Action Date: March 16, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Permit to Carry, Wear, or Transport a Handgun - Qualifications
Description: Clarifying that self-defense can qualify as a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun for purposes of the issuance by the Secretary of State Police of a permit to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Crimes - Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime - Diminution Credits and Sentencing
Description: Prohibiting the earning of diminution credits to reduce the term of confinement of an inmate committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction or sentenced to a term of imprisonment in a local correctional facility who is serving a sentence for the use of specified firearms in the commission of specified crimes; prohibiting a court from suspending any part of a mandatory minimum sentence of five years; and applying the Act prospectively.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permit Background Investigation - Armored Car Company Employees
Description: Authorizing the Secretary of State Police to accept a background investigation performed on behalf of specified armored car companies in place of a specified criminal history records check performed by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Senators Muse, Lee, and Hough
Last Action Date: April 13, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Term
Description: Authorizing the Secretary of State Police to set the date for expiration of a handgun permit under specified circumstances; and clarifying that an expiration date for a handgun permit does not apply if the permit is renewed under specified circumstances.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permits
Description: Requiring the Secretary of the State Police to issue a specified handgun permit within 120 days under specified circumstances; requiring the Secretary to notify, in writing, each applicant for a permit of the decision to approve or deny a permit within 120 days after receipt of the application; etc.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Sales and Use Tax - Tax-Free Periods - Hunting and Sporting Goods
Description: Establishing a sales and use tax exemption period for the 7-day period from the third Sunday in April through the following Saturday for hunting and sporting goods shopping in Maryland during which the sales and use tax does not apply to the sale of firearms, fishing supplies, and hunting supplies if the taxable price of the item is less than $1,000; etc.
Last Action: Unfavorable Report by Budget and Taxation
Last Action Date: March 19, 2015
Title: Handgun Permits - Reciprocity
Description: Specifying that a permit to carry a handgun, including a concealed handgun, issued to an individual by another state is valid in Maryland.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Criminal Procedure - Firearms - Transfer
Description: Requiring a court to inform a person convicted of a specified offense that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under specified provisions of law; providing that if a person commits a specified offense and the offense is a domestically related crime, the court shall order the person to transfer all firearms owned by the person or in the person's possession; providing for the procedure to transfer firearms; authorizing the disposal of a firearm under specified circumstances; etc.
Last Action: Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 12, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Identification Requirements - Repeal
Description: Repealing a provision of law requiring specified firearms manufacturers and dealers and the Department of State Police to take specified actions relating to identification of handguns; authorizing the Department of State Police to dispose of specified shell casings; and providing the intent of the General Assembly.
Last Action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 379
Last Action Date: May 12, 2015
Title: Public Safety - Handgun Permit - Temporary Training Waiver
Description: Authorizing the Secretary of State Police, on making a determination that an applicant has demonstrated evidence of imminent danger to the applicant, to temporarily waive a specified requirement to complete a specified firearms training course; and requiring a specified permit to require completion of a specified course within 60 days after the issuance of the permit.
Last Action: Hearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.
Last Action Date: March 24, 2015
