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HB 1541

Workgroup to Study Extreme Risk Protective Orders (Sagar Ghimire Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bhandari

Maryland creates a workgroup to study extreme risk protective orders as a potential policy tool for temporarily restricting firearm access for individuals posing significant danger.

Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1541

Legislative bill overview

HB 1541 establishes a workgroup to study extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs), sometimes called "red flag" laws, in Maryland. The bill directs this study group to examine how such orders could be implemented to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed to pose a significant danger to themselves or others.

Why is this important

ERPOs are a policy tool that some states have adopted to potentially prevent harm by allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis. Maryland does not currently have such a law, so this workgroup would assess whether and how the state might adopt one—a decision that could affect both public safety approaches and Second Amendment considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Critics argue ERPOs risk infringing on constitutional gun rights without sufficient due process protections, while supporters contend they are narrowly tailored interventions that include court oversight
  • Due process standards: Disagreement over what legal standards and evidence should be required to issue orders, and whether respondents have adequate opportunity to challenge them
  • Effectiveness and implementation: Questions about whether ERPOs actually prevent harm, and practical concerns about enforcement, training, and whether mental health or threat assessment criteria are appropriate for courts to evaluate

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

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