Maryland is once again seeing gun related bills move through the General Assembly. Some of these bills continue to push for stripping Marylanders of their constitutional rights, while the other set of bills hold positives that would be beneficial to those wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights in Maryland. Please see the list of bills below:
Oppose:
- HB 387 — Imposes an 11% tax on firearm sales by licensed dealers, both within and outside the state of Maryland.
- HB 937 — Doubles the sales and use tax rate for sales of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from 6% to 12%.
These taxes would undoubtedly be passed along in the form of price increases for gun owners. Secondly, the justification for these bills is to fund programs that seek to “decrease gun violence” in Maryland. As a reminder, gun violence figures in Maryland have gone UP during the same time that Marylanders’ Second Amendment rights have been restricted. This includes the passage of “Assault Weapons” ban in 2013.
- HB 1287 — Bans any semi-automatic pistol that COULD be converted into a machinegun. While this legislation is specifically targeting “Glock switches,” it is worded ambiguously enough to potentially include ALL semi-automatic pistols. Similar legislation was introduced in New York last year, where it rightfully died in committee.
- SB 444 — Would require all firearms turned in at gun buyback programs to be destroyed.
- HB 1050, and its companion bill SB 943 — Requires firearms to be surrendered to law enforcement when responding to domestic violence protection orders. Prohibits possession of firearms for the duration of the order. Creates additional “Task Forces” aimed at further justifying disarming of Maryland citizens.
Support and monitor:
- HB 354 — Reduces penalties related to wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun without a permit.
Maryland had previously increased penalties for carrying a handgun without a permit (the Gun Safety Act of 2023) in defiance of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision in 2022. An example under current law is that if one person illegally carries a handgun in a car full of others, every individual in the vehicle can be arrested and charged. HB 354 would prevent Marylanders from being guilty by proximity.
- HB 353 — A constitutional carry bill that repeals the requirement for a handgun permit and allows those over the age of 21 to wear, carry, and transport a firearm.
This bill should be supported with amendments that would also include the right for 18 – 20 year-olds to wear, carry, and transport firearms as well.
Contact your State Legislators and urge them to SUPPORT the pro-gun bills and OPPOSE the anti-gun bills. Reach out to your legislators immediately in the form above and urge them to take action on these gun bills.
