summary
Introduced
01/31/2025
01/31/2025
In Committee
01/31/2025
01/31/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Classifying the theft of a firearm as a felony; establishing a penalty for a first conviction for theft of a firearm of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and establishing a penalty for subsequent convictions of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
AI Summary
This bill updates Maryland's criminal law to specifically address the theft of firearms, creating a distinct felony classification for such offenses. Under the new provisions, a person convicted of stealing a firearm (including antique firearms or replicas) will face more serious penalties than previous theft laws. For a first conviction, the offender can be imprisoned for up to 5 years or fined up to $1,000, or both. For subsequent convictions, the penalties increase to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Importantly, any sentence for firearm theft must be served consecutively to any other sentences, meaning the penalties will be added on top of punishments for any other related crimes. This legislation aims to create a stronger legal deterrent against firearm theft by establishing more significant consequences and treating such thefts as a separate, more serious criminal offense compared to theft of other types of property. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for the new statutory requirements.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (47)
Stuart Schmidt (R)*,
Chris Adams (R),
Steve Arentz (R),
Lauren Arikan (R),
Terry Baker (R),
Barry Beauchamp (R),
Christopher Bouchat (R),
Jason Buckel (R),
Brian Chisholm (R),
Barrie Ciliberti (R),
Mark Fisher (R),
April Fleming Miller (R),
Jeff Ghrist (R),
Robin Grammer (R),
Mike Griffith (R),
Wayne Hartman (R),
Jim Hinebaugh (R),
Kevin Hornberger (R),
Seth Howard (R),
Tom Hutchinson (R),
Jay Jacobs (R),
Andre Johnson (D),
Steve Johnson (D),
Aaron Kaufman (D),
Ken Kerr (D),
Nic Kipke (R),
Nino Mangione (R),
Susan McComas (R),
Ric Metzgar (R),
Matt Morgan (R),
Todd Morgan (R),
Ryan Nawrocki (R),
LaToya Nkongolo (R),
Charles Otto (R),
Cheryl Pasteur (D),
Jesse Pippy (R),
Teresa Reilly (R),
April Rose (R),
Sheree Sample-Hughes (D),
Matthew Schindler (D),
Gary Simmons (D),
Ryan Spiegel (D),
Josh Stonko (R),
Kathy Szeliga (R),
Chris Tomlinson (R),
William Valentine (R),
William Wivell (R),
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (15:00:00 3/5/2025 ) (on 03/05/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0982?ys=2025RS |
| Racial Equity Impact | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/BudgetFiscal/2025RS-HB0982-REIN.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb0982f.pdf |
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