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HB 592

Prohibited Possession of Firearms - Assisted Outpatient Treatment Respondents

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Atterbeary and 9 co-sponsors

Maryland HB 592 bars people under court-ordered community mental health treatment from possessing firearms during their treatment orders.

Referred Judicial Proceedings
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Bill Summary · HB 592

Legislative bill overview

HB 592 prohibits individuals subject to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders from possessing firearms. The bill expands Maryland's existing firearm restrictions by adding AOT respondents—people court-ordered to receive community-based mental health treatment—to the list of individuals barred from gun ownership. It applies to the duration of the AOT order and includes provisions for firearm surrender and restoration procedures.

Why is this important

This bill affects the intersection of mental health policy, public safety, and constitutional rights. Maryland joins several other states implementing firearm restrictions tied to AOT orders, aiming to reduce harm during mental health crises. The policy impacts an estimated population receiving court-ordered outpatient treatment and raises questions about effectiveness, due process protections, and stigma surrounding mental illness.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Critics argue AOT orders may lack sufficient procedural safeguards before restricting constitutional rights, and that firearm prohibition may constitute excessive punishment for civil mental health interventions
  • Mental health stigma: Advocacy groups worry the measure conflates mental illness with dangerousness, potentially discouraging people from seeking treatment due to firearm loss fears
  • Effectiveness questions: Evidence on whether firearm restrictions tied to AOT orders meaningfully reduce suicide or violence remains limited and contested among researchers and public health experts

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

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