ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A series of new firearms-related laws passed during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session will go into effect this fall, tightening regulations on gun trafficking, manufacturing, and the use of firearms in violent and organized crimes.
The legislative session, held from Jan. 8 to April 7, produced several bills that enhance penalties for certain firearm offenses and reclassify key crimes as felonies. The Maryland Department of State Police released a summary of the changes Sunday, as required under Public Safety Article §5-147(b).
Among the most consequential measures is Senate Bill 443, which reclassifies the unlawful transportation of regulated firearms into the state for trafficking purposes from a misdemeanor to a felony. The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers — 47–0 in the Senate on March 30 and 138–0 in the House on April 7. It also removes the statute of limitations for prosecution, allowing authorities to bring charges at any time…