Public Safety - Gun Buyback Programs - Destruction of Firearms

SB 775 requires federal firearms licensees and law enforcement agencies operating gun buyback programs to permanently destroy all surrendered firearms (including all parts and components) after verifying they are not stolen, lost, or crime-related. It prohibits operating such programs without meeting these requirements and imposes fines up to $10,000 per violation, with license revocation for dealers who fail to comply. The bill directly affects program operators (licensees and agencies) and adds new rules under Maryland’s "Subtitle 9: Gun Buyback Programs" in the Annotated Code. It does not change existing firearm purchase or transfer laws but mandates destruction as a core program requirement. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.