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HB 577

Criminal Law - Firearm Crimes - Machine Gun Convertible Pistols

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Derrick Coley and 13 co-sponsors

Maryland bill criminalizes machine gun conversion devices for pistols, establishing state penalties for manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearm modification kits that enable automatic fire.

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Bill Summary · HB 577

Legislative bill overview

HB 577 proposes criminal penalties in Maryland related to firearm crimes involving machine gun convertible pistols—devices designed to convert standard semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. The bill appears aimed at restricting the manufacture, sale, possession, or use of these conversion devices, which operate in a legal gray area under federal law. The specific provisions would establish state-level criminal consequences for violations.

Why is this important

Machine gun conversion devices have become increasingly accessible and are used in some violent crimes, creating public safety concerns that federal regulations alone have not fully addressed. Maryland's action would represent state-level intervention to restrict devices that federal law ambiguously regulates, potentially serving as a model for other states. This reflects growing concern among state legislators about weapons technology that circumvents existing firearm regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Second Amendment advocates will likely challenge whether restricting conversion devices constitutes unlawful infringement on firearm ownership rights, especially given evolving judicial interpretations post-Bruen
  • Definitional scope: The bill's precise definition of "machine gun convertible pistols" matters significantly—overly broad language could inadvertently criminalize legal components or accessories, while narrow definitions might fail to address the actual devices of concern
  • Enforcement practicality: Determining possession intent and distinguishing between legal parts and illegal conversion kits presents investigative and prosecutorial challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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