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MarylandSB 07752026 Regular SessionSenate

Public Safety - Gun Buyback Programs - Destruction of Firearms

Sponsored By: William C. Smith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyContracts -see also- ProcurementCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Data -see also- Census; DemographicsDealers -see also- Motor Vehicle Dealers and SalespeopleEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.EvidenceFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesForfeitureGunsLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsState Police, Department ofTheft -see also- Burglary; Robbery; ShopliftingTransfer of Goods -see also- Goods&Svc; Leas&Rnt; RetailSale

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

All buyback guns must be destroyed

Beginning October 1, 2026, guns surrendered at a buyback are destroyed. Destruction makes the gun and all attached parts permanently inoperable and unrepairable. This applies to programs that advertise destruction or permanent inoperability. Police must check databases like the National Crime Information Center to see if a gun is lost, stolen, or evidence before destroying it. If a gun is stolen or evidence, police do not destroy it. A licensed seller or police agency may hire another agency or a business to do the destruction.

Penalties for noncompliant gun buybacks

Beginning October 1, 2026, no one may run a gun buyback unless it follows the law. Running a noncompliant program is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 per conviction. Failing to destroy guns as required can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation. If a licensed dealer breaks these rules, the state must revoke the dealer’s license. A gun buyback program is one run by a licensed dealer or police, lets owners surrender guns, aims to reduce guns in the community, and advertises that surrendered guns will be destroyed or made permanently inoperable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 36

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 36 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 430

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (96-36)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/11/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Judiciary

    3/13/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {653821/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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