Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Expiration and Renewal Periods for Retired Law Enforcement Officer
SB 331 modifies Maryland's handgun permit rules for retired law enforcement officers. It changes the expiration period from 2 years to 5 years for permits issued to officers who retired in good standing from state or local law enforcement agencies. The bill also extends renewal periods to 5 years (instead of 3) and exempts these officers from paying renewal fees. This policy change applies to all eligible retired officers holding valid permits and takes effect October 1, 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Jan 23, 2026
Signed May 12, 2026
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What changed between versions
First - Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Expiration and Renewal Periods for Retired Law Enforcement Officer
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Third - Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Expiration and Renewal Periods for Retired Law Enforcement Officer
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3 edits
MINOR
This bill updates the expiration and renewal rules for handgun permits held by retired law enforcement officers in Maryland. It extends the initial permit validity from 2 years to 5 years and allows for 5-year renewal periods, whereas the previous version allowed for 3-year renewals. The bill also adds a 'Committee Report: Favorable' status and specific adoption dates to the document header.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding permit duration for retired law enforcement officers was expanded to allow for longer validity periods (5 years instead of 2 or 3 years).
TIMELINE
Changed the initial permit expiration for retired law enforcement officers from 2 years to 5 years after issuance.
Extended the renewal period for retired law enforcement officers from 3 years to 5 years.
TECHNICAL
Added administrative details including a favorable committee report status and specific dates for second reading and adoption.
Floor votes · Senate Feb 27, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 26, 2026
How they voted
47–0
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 49
Feb 27, 2026
D
Democratic36
94% Yea
R
Republican13
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
14
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 455
executive
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Returned Passed
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Judiciary
lower
Mar 26, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (129-2-11)
house of delegates
Mar 13, 2026
Committee
Referred Judiciary
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Mar 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)
senate
Jan 23, 2026
Committee
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Chris West
RRepublican
P
Mary Beth Carozza
RRepublican
P
William Folden
RRepublican
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