Bill > HB592

This bill modifies Maryland law to prohibit individuals who are currently respondents subject to a court order for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) from possessing regulated firearms, rifles, or shotguns. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to existing firearm restriction laws that prevents people under AOT court orders from owning firearms. Additionally, the bill requires courts to promptly report information about individuals ordered to comply with AOT through a secure data portal to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS Index). The reporting must include the person's name, identifying information, and the date of the court order. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is contingent on another related legislative act (Chapter 704 of the 2024 Acts). Assisted Outpatient Treatment is a legal mechanism that allows courts to mandate mental health treatment for individuals in the community, and this bill aims to link such treatment orders with firearm possession restrictions as a potential public safety measure.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0592?ys=2025RS