Firearms Dealers - Firearm Hold Agreements

SB 899 creates legal immunity for federally licensed firearms dealers in Maryland who return firearms to owners at the end of a "firearm hold agreement." This private agreement allows dealers to temporarily hold a firearm at the owner's request, for a set period, and return it per the agreement terms. The bill states dealers cannot be sued civilly for injuries or deaths occurring after returning the firearm under such an agreement, except if the dealer acted unlawfully. It specifically excludes standard firearm transfers covered under other laws (§ 6-234 of the Criminal Procedure Article). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.