New Gun Law Takes Effect June 1st: What You Need to Know

Maryland – A new gun law will go into effect June 1st, in the state of Maryland.

Senate Bill 387 will bring changes to what the state defines as a firearm, now including unfinished frames and receivers which are commonly referred to as 80% lowers or build kits.

Beginning June 1st a resident of the state may not purchase, sell, or exchange the gun until it has a proper serial number.

By March of 2023, a resident may not posses a firearm, unless it meets the necessary criteria.

The gun must also be registered with Maryland State Police.

A unfinished frame or receiver is defined as “A forged, cast, printed, extruded, or machined body or similar article that has reached a stage in manufacture where it may readily be completed, assembled, or converted to be used as the frame or receiver of a functional firearm.”

In other words, an item like an 80% lower or build kit would allow you to purchase an incomplete firearm and upon assembly have a fully functioning gun. These components can be purchased without a background check.

With this law that will not longer be the case.

This law will however not affect guns manufactured before October 22nd, 1968 or antique guns.