Public Safety - Gun Buyback Programs - Destruction of Firearms

SB 444 requires all gun buyback programs operating in Maryland to permanently destroy traded-in firearms (including all attached components) to make them inoperable and unrepairable. It applies to both public and private entities running these programs and allows them to contract with law enforcement agencies or businesses for destruction. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 per offense, and program operators holding a dealer’s license face license revocation for non-compliance. The bill amends Maryland’s Public Safety Code to establish these requirements under a new "Gun Buyback Programs" subtitle.