Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to repass a bill, after having concurred with House amendments thereto, that expands firearm regulations, effective October 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Requires the Secretary of State Police to conduct a state and national criminal history records check and submit a complete set of fingerprints for each applicant for a handgun qualification license (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, receiving or transferring a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from transporting, possessing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing or receiving assault weapons (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an individual to own an "assault weapon" if he or she possesses, has a purchase order for, or completes an application to purchase the assault weapons before October 1, 2013 (Sec. 1).

• Defines “assault weapon” as a firearm including, but not limited to, the following characteristics and features (Sec. 1):
• a semiautomatic centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine capable of accepting more than 10 rounds or longer than 29 inches;
• a folding stock;
• a grenade or flare launcher; or
• a flash suppressor.

• Prohibits an individual from owning a firearm under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual has been voluntarily committed to a mental health facility for more than 30 consecutive days; or
• The individual has been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. 

• Requires individuals to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 72 hours after the individual first discovers the loss or theft (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands firearm regulations, effective October 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Requires the Secretary of State Police to conduct a state and national criminal history records check and submit a complete set of fingerprints for each applicant for a handgun qualification license (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, receiving or transferring a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from transporting, possessing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing or receiving assault weapons (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an individual to own an "assault weapon" if he or she possesses, has a purchase order for, or completes an application to purchase the assault weapons before October 1, 2013 (Sec. 1).

• Defines “assault weapon” as a firearm including, but not limited to, the following characteristics and features (Sec. 1):
• a semiautomatic centerfire rifle with a fixed magazine capably of accepting more than 10 rounds or longer than 29 inches;
• a folding stock;
• a grenade or flare launcher; or
• a flash suppressor.

• Prohibits an individual from owning a firearm under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual has been voluntarily committed to a mental health facility for more than 30 consecutive days; or
• The individual has been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. 

• Requires individuals to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 72 hours after the individual first discovers the loss or theft (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that defines "assault weapon", prohibits gun ownership for mentally ill individuals, and expands firearms training course requirements, effective October 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Defines an “assault weapon” as any semiautomatic centerfire rifle, shotgun, or pistol with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds and characteristics including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):
• Folding or telescoping stock; 
• Flash suppressor;
• Forward pistol grip; or
• Pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the weapon.

• Authorizes firearm manufacturers to continue production of assault weapons in the state, provided the manufacturer sells the assault weapon out of state (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an individual to lawfully possess an assault weapon purchased before October 1, 2013, provided the individual registers the assault weapon before January 1, 2014 (Sec. 1).

• Requires handgun license applicants to submit an application with the following requirements to the Secretary of the State Police, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):
• A fingerprint scan;
• Background check;
• An application fee of $25; and
• Proof of successful completion of an approved firearms training course.

• Requires handgun license applicants to complete a firearms training course that includes the following (Sec. 1):
• Minimum of 4 hours instruction by a qualified handgun instructor;
• Classroom instruction on state firearm law, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms and operation; and
• A firearm qualification component to demonstrate proficiency and use of the firearm. 

• Specifies that a handgun license is valid for 10 years after issuance (Sec. 1).

• Requires shotgun or rifle license applicants to complete the following requirements (Sec. 1):
• A firearms training course as outlined above;
• For the initial application, a minimum of 16 hours of instruction by a qualified instructor; and
• For renewal applications, a minimum of 8 hours of instruction by a qualified instructor.

• Prohibits an individual from receiving a firearm license if the individual (Sec. 1):
• Has been committed involuntarily to a state mental facility;
• Committed voluntarily to a state mental facility for more than 30 consecutive days before October 1, 2013, unless a physician certifies the individual is not a danger to themselves or others;
• Is not subject to a current protection order;
• Has been declared incompetent to stand trial; or
• Was found to be not responsible for a crime by reason of insanity.

Full Bill Text