MarylandHB 04132025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Controlled Dangerous Substances and Firearms

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Court review for mandatory cannabis sentences

Beginning October 1, 2025, people imprisoned under qualifying mandatory-minimum cannabis sentences can ask a court to reduce them. This covers large-quantity or kingpin sentences imposed on or before September 30, 2025. Applications are due September 30, 2026; courts can accept later filings for good cause. The court must hold a hearing and notify the State's Attorney, but a reduction is not guaranteed. After a denial, the person can file one more motion at least three years later.

Court review for older cocaine sentences

Beginning October 1, 2025, people imprisoned under qualifying mandatory-minimum cocaine-base sentences can ask a court to reduce them. The sentence must have been imposed by September 30, 2017, and involve less than 448 grams of cocaine base. Applications are due September 30, 2026; courts can accept later filings for good cause. The court must hold a hearing and notify the State's Attorney; qualifying large-quantity sentences allow only one application. The court can reduce the mandatory minimum unless the State proves keeping it avoids substantial injustice and is necessary to protect the public.

Adults can share and make cannabis

Beginning October 1, 2025, adults 21 or older can share personal-use cannabis amounts without payment or civil or criminal penalties. Sharing cannot be tied to a trade or purchase of goods or services. Personal-use limits are 1.5 ounces of usable cannabis, 12 grams of concentrate, 750 milligrams of delta-9 THC in products, or two plants. Adults 21 or older can also make personal-use amounts of cannabis products or concentrates at a private residence. This home production must be for personal use or adult sharing and cannot use volatile solvents, such as butane.

Lower penalties for large cannabis offenses

Beginning October 1, 2025, making, distributing, dispensing, or possessing at least 50 pounds of cannabis is a misdemeanor. It carries up to 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both, without the general five-year mandatory minimum. A drug kingpin organizes, supervises, finances, or manages a drug conspiracy. For conspiracies involving at least 50 pounds of cannabis, kingpins face up to 20 years, a $100,000 fine, or both. This replaces the general kingpin penalty of 20–40 years with a 20-year mandatory minimum without parole.

Felony penalties for unserialized firearm transactions

Beginning October 1, 2025, specified transactions involving unfinished firearm frames or receivers or firearms without required serial numbers carry felony penalties. The rules restrict buying, selling, receiving, or transferring unfinished frames or receivers without federally required serial numbers. They also bar selling or transferring firearms without the required serial-number markings. Violations carry up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Higher penalties for illegal firearm dealings

Beginning October 1, 2025, possessing, selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of a stolen regulated firearm is a felony. The person must know or have reasonable cause to believe it was stolen. Each violation carries up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Bringing a regulated firearm into Maryland for unlawful sale or trafficking is also a felony. Each trafficking violation carries up to 10 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both.

Higher penalties for unapproved handgun sales

Beginning October 1, 2025, violating Maryland's approved-handgun roster rules brings felony penalties. The roster restriction covers handguns manufactured after January 1, 1985. Making an unapproved handgun for distribution or sale carries up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Selling or offering one carries up to five years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both. Each handgun counts as a separate violation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Moon
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Luke Clippinger
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 143

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 38 • No: 9

House vote • 3/13/2025

Floor Amendment {893925/1 (Delegate Rose) Rejected

Yes: 40 • No: 97 • Other: 4