ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A newly-proposed bill moving through the Maryland General Assembly would place an additional tax on firearms, ammunition, and gun accessories sold in the state, with the revenue earmarked for violence prevention programs, victim support, and trauma care.
Senate Bill 118 would create an 11% excise tax on retail sales of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories sold by federally licensed dealers in Maryland. Lawmakers backing the bill say the goal is to generate dedicated funding for programs aimed at reducing gun violence and supporting those impacted by it.
Under the proposal, the tax would not take effect immediately should the bill pass. Large retailers, defined as stores with at least 20,000 square feet of retail space, would begin collecting the tax July 1, 2027. Smaller dealers would follow a year later, starting July 1, 2028…