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HB 1050

Family Law - Protective Orders - Surrender of Firearms

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Bartlett and 3 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requires firearm surrender during family law protective orders to reduce domestic violence fatality risk while raising Second Amendment and due process concerns.

Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1050

Legislative bill overview

HB 1050 would require individuals subject to protective orders (restraining orders) in Maryland family law cases to surrender their firearms to law enforcement or a licensed dealer. The bill establishes procedures for firearm removal and storage during the period a protective order remains in effect, with provisions for return once the order expires or is dismissed.

Why is this important

Protective orders are designed to prevent abuse and protect victims from intimate partner violence. This bill addresses a documented gap by preventing respondents under these orders from maintaining access to weapons, as research shows firearm presence significantly increases lethality risk in domestic violence situations. The implementation directly affects both public safety efforts and Second Amendment considerations in domestic abuse cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue mandatory firearm surrender raises constitutional questions about due process and property rights, particularly if protective orders are issued ex parte (without the respondent present initially)
  • Enforcement and storage logistics: Questions about who bears costs for secure storage, how long law enforcement must maintain firearms, liability if weapons are damaged or lost, and whether sufficient resources exist for compliance
  • Due process protections: Dispute over whether current protective order procedures provide adequate opportunity for respondents to contest firearm seizure before surrender is required

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

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