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Bill

HB 863

Gun Theft Felony Act of 2026

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Arentz and 30 co-sponsors

Maryland bill elevates gun theft from misdemeanor to felony status to strengthen prosecution and deter firearm theft feeding illegal weapons markets.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 863

Legislative bill overview

HB 863 would establish gun theft as a felony offense in Maryland, creating criminal penalties for stealing firearms. The bill appears designed to increase legal consequences for firearm theft beyond current misdemeanor or property crime classifications.

Why is this important

Gun theft is a significant source of firearms entering illegal markets and criminal supply chains. Elevating it to felony status could deter theft, provide law enforcement with stronger prosecution tools, and potentially reduce the pipeline of stolen weapons used in crimes.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Disagreement over appropriate felony classification (felony vs. enhanced misdemeanor) and mandatory minimum sentences
  • Proportionality concerns: Debate over whether theft penalties should vary based on firearm type, value, or circumstances
  • Implementation clarity: Questions about how the law distinguishes gun theft from general property theft and whether it applies to all firearms equally
  • Enforcement equity: Concerns about disparate impact and whether resources will be fairly directed across communities

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

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