Maryland Seeks to Restrict Transfer of Rifles and Shotguns Between Law Abiding Citizens

Senate Bill 737, if passed, would impose a number of new restrictions on the citizens of Maryland in relation to long guns. Among other things, the bill would create a seven day waiting period to purchase a long gun, implement Long Gun Qualification Licenses (“LGQL”), and require individuals who have moved to Maryland to register their rifles and shotguns with the state.

Seven Day Waiting Period
Maryland already has a seven day waiting period for handgun purchases. This bill seeks to extend that waiting period to long guns as well. Dealers would be unable to sell, rent, or transfer a rifle or shotgun until seven days after a 4473 was executed and the background check process was initiated. Individuals would also be restricted to the purchase of one rifle or shotgun per 30 day period. Additionally, the bill would also seemingly prohibit most common private party transfers and loans with some enumerated exceptions.

Long Gun Qualification Licenses
The bill provides that LGQL's, which are valid for a period of ten years, shall be issued to individuals by the Secretary of the State Police if they:

1) are at least 18 years old,

2) a resident of Maryland,

3) within three years of applying for the LGQL have completed an approved firearms safety training course that includes at least a four hour block of instruction covering state firearms law, home firearm safety, the operation of rifles and shotguns, and an “orientation component” that demonstrates the individual can safely handle and operate a firearm.

The firearms safety training course requirement is waived in the event that an individual has:

1) previously completed an approved course,

2) completed Maryland's hunter safety course,

3) is a qualified firearms instructor,

4) honorably discharged from the armed forces,

5) is an employee of an armored car service or

6) lawfully owns a firearm.

LGQL applicants will be required to submit fingerprints, complete an application provided by the State Police, provide additional documentation (such as the completion of a qualified firearms safety course) and an application fee of up to $50. If an individual is denied, they may request a hearing from the State Police. Renewals for the LGQL will not require individuals to complete the firearms safety training requirement or submit to the background check.

New Residents
Individuals who move to Maryland with the intent of becoming a resident will be required to register all of their rifles and shotguns within 90 days of becoming a resident. The application to register rifles and shotguns will include information such as the make, model, serial number, caliber and barrel length of the firearm, as well as, personal identifying information of the owner. The bill would impose a fifteen dollar fee for an application, regardless of the number of firearms being registered.

Read the full Senate Bill 737 HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Kraut is a firearms law attorney practicing in southeastern PA and across the country federally. He hosts The Legal Brief, a show dedicated to crushing the various myths and misinformation around various areas of the gun world and The Gun Collective Podcast. He was also the general manager of a gun store in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

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