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HB 1518

Criminal Law - Minor's Access to Firearms - Penalty

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison

Maryland bill criminalizes adults who allow minors unsupervised firearm access, establishing penalties to reduce accidental child shootings through enhanced accountability.

First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · HB 1518

Legislative bill overview

HB 1518 establishes criminal penalties for allowing minors to access firearms without proper supervision or safety measures. The bill targets adults who negligently or recklessly permit children to handle, possess, or use guns, creating a new category of criminal liability separate from existing negligent firearm storage laws.

Why is this important

Unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among children represent a significant public health concern. This legislation aims to reduce pediatric firearm incidents by holding adults legally accountable for inadequate firearm safety practices, potentially incentivizing secure storage and supervision habits that prevent accidental shootings.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the law infringes on lawful gun ownership and criminalizes legitimate supervised hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense instruction for older minors
  • Negligence standard ambiguity: The definitions of "negligently" or "recklessly" permitting access could create enforcement inconsistencies and expose adults to prosecution in borderline circumstances
  • Parental authority questions: Critics may contend this represents government overreach into parental decisions about firearm education, hunting traditions, and family safety practices

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

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