New Gun Laws



2017's SB707 Rapid Fire Trigger Activators is now in full effect

On April 24, 2018, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed Senate Bill 707 (“SB-707”) into law. SB-707 made the manufacture, sale, transport, or possession of “rapid fire trigger activators,” unlawful in Maryland. That term “rapid fire trigger activator” is defined separately, in MD Code Criminal Law § 4-301(m)(1), to mean “any device” that when installed in or attached to a firearm “increases” the “rate at which a trigger is activated” “OR” “the rate of fire increases.” The law specifically bans specific types of devices such as “a bump stock, trigger crank, hellfire trigger, binary trigger system, burst trigger system, or a copy or a similar device.” The bill originally went into effect on October 1, 2018, unless the owner sought authorization from the ATF to possess such a device prior to that time. Those persons had until October 1, 2019, to obtain such authorization. Of course, the ATF denied that it had any authority to authorize such devices, so the complete ban goes into effect on October 1, 2019, for everyone who sought ATF "authorization." We firmly believe that this ban on the possession of previously-owned private property is a "Taking" without just compensation under both the federal and state constitutions. Our



Prohibition of Loans to Prohibited Persons and Those You Know are Likely to Commit Harm

Knowingly "loaning" a regulated firearm to prohibited people or those you know will commit a crime or do harm -- now even more illegal. That change was a vast improvement over what was originally introduced. The original bills would have amended Section 5-124 of the Public Safety Article to criminal any such loan or gift of a regulated firearm without going through the 77R transfer process. Instead, the bill amends a different provision, Section 5-134. That provision provides that a "dealer or other person may not sell, rent, loan, or transfer a regulated firearm to a purchaser, lessee, borrower, or transferee who the dealer or other person knows or has reasonable cause to believe" is a prohibited person. The original bills amending Section 5-124 would have criminalized vast amounts of innocent conduct, as we



The Maryland State Police Moves to an All Online Wear and Carry Permit Application and Electronic Payments

2019's HB92/SB113 allows the MSP to collect payments via an electronic check, a credit card, or a method of online payment approved by the Secretary (of the State Police). We



We welcome our members to let us know of any negative experiences with this new system.



In the 2019 General Assembly Session, you helped to push back on new bans and further undue burdens on the right to keep and bear arms. We'll need that help again in 2020 as the General Assembly gets started in January. We anticipate that most if not all of the bad bills will return. It is not too early to get ready. Get to know your legislators now. Don't know who they are? Go



Not a member yet? Join us! Want to help?

Show you support with some MSI merch from our shop! On April 24, 2018, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed Senate Bill 707 (“SB-707”) into law. SB-707 made the manufacture, sale, transport, or possession of “rapid fire trigger activators,” unlawful in Maryland. That term “rapid fire trigger activator” is defined separately, in MD Code Criminal Law § 4-301(m)(1), to mean “any device” that when installed in or attached to a firearm “increases” the “rate at which a trigger is activated” “OR” “the rate of fire increases.” The law specifically bans specific types of devices such as “a bump stock, trigger crank, hellfire trigger, binary trigger system, burst trigger system, or a copy or a similar device.” The bill originally went into effect on October 1, 2018, unless the owner sought authorization from the ATF to possess such a device prior to that time. Those persons had until October 1, 2019, to obtain such authorization. Of course, the ATF denied that it had any authority to authorize such devices, so the complete ban goes into effect on October 1, 2019, for everyone who sought ATF "authorization." We firmly believe that this ban on the possession of previously-owned private property is a "Taking" without just compensation under both the federal and state constitutions. Our suit demanding such compensation is now pending in the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Also pending in that appeal is our contention that the definition is hopelessly vague in banning any device that could increase the "rate of fire" of any firearm by any amount. Briefing is complete on that appeal and we should soon get a date for oral argument.Knowingly "loaning" a regulated firearm to prohibited people or those you know will commit a crime or do harm -- now even more illegal. That change was a vast improvement over what was originally introduced. The original bills would have amended Section 5-124 of the Public Safety Article to criminal any such loan or gift of a regulated firearm without going through the 77R transfer process. Instead, the bill amends a different provision, Section 5-134. That provision provides that a "dealer or other person may not sell, rent, loan, or transfer a regulated firearm to a purchaser, lessee, borrower, or transferee who the dealer or other person knows or has reasonable cause to believe" is a prohibited person. The original bills amending Section 5-124 would have criminalized vast amounts of innocent conduct, as we pointed out during the legislative session. As enacted, the legislation is a win for common sense, in the true meaning of the phrase.2019's HB92/SB113 allows the MSP to collect payments via an electronic check, a credit card, or a method of online payment approved by the Secretary (of the State Police). We argued for and would have preferred more forms of payment. We see the bill as MSP house-keeping. In addition, the MSP have moved Wear and Carry Permit applications to an entirely online process through their Licensing Portal . Those who have purchased a handgun within the last few years will be familiar with this site. You can read the MSP's release on the new system here We welcome our members to let us know of any negative experiences with this new system.In the 2019 General Assembly Session, you helped to push back on new bans and further undue burdens on the right to keep and bear arms. We'll need that help again in 2020 as the General Assembly gets started in January. We anticipate that most if not all of the bad bills will return. It is not too early to get ready. Get to know your legislators now. Don't know who they are? Go here and enter your address. Then make an appointment and go see them. Almost all of these legislators have district offices. YOUR testimony, engagement, time, and contributions all go to promoting and securing the rights of your fellow Marylander!Not a member yet?Want to help? Donate! Need Help Renewing? Follow these steps: Log into your account Select a Membership Level Consider a donation to the Litigation Fund Click the button at the bottom of the page to renew/donate If you need further assistance, please email us We are fighting for your rights, and we thank you for anything and everything you can do to help!