Maryland has recently advanced new legislation aimed at further restricting access to certain semiautomatic firearms, building on its already robust gun control framework. The latest measures specifically target semiautomatic pistols that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons, reflecting growing concern over gun violence and the proliferation of rapid-fire firearms in the state.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The centerpiece of the new legislation is House Bill 1287, which prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of any semiautomatic pistol that can be converted into a machine gun solely by attaching a device known as a “switch” or auto-sear.
These attachments, sometimes referred to as “Glock switches,” can transform a standard semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull-a feature that dramatically increases the weapon’s lethality.
- Definition of “Convertible Pistol”: The law defines a convertible pistol as any semiautomatic pistol that can be converted into a machine gun by simply adding a switch or auto-sear.
- Penalties: Violations are classified as misdemeanors, punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
- Scope: The bill includes a list of specific firearms subject to the ban, such as the AA Arms AP-9, Bushmaster semiautomatic pistol, and Claridge HI-TEC, among others.
- Existing Prohibitions Maintained: Maryland already bans bump stocks, binary and burst trigger systems, and other rapid-fire activators, and these prohibitions remain in effect.
Background and Rationale
The push for tighter controls comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in Maryland, particularly in urban centers like Baltimore. Law enforcement and state leaders have pointed to the increasing use of “switches” in criminal activity, which allow for the rapid conversion of legal handguns into illegal automatic weapons.
In February 2025, Maryland’s Attorney General and the Mayor of Baltimore even filed a lawsuit against Glock, alleging the company’s products contributed to the state’s gun violence crisis.
Maryland’s Broader Gun Control Landscape
Maryland has long been recognized for its stringent gun laws. Following the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, the state enacted a sweeping ban on military-style “assault weapons” in 2013, prohibiting the sale and possession of firearms such as the AR-15, AK-47, and Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle, and imposing a 10-round magazine limit. These laws have withstood repeated legal challenges:
- In August 2024, a federal appeals court upheld Maryland’s ban on assault-style semiautomatic rifles, ruling that such weapons are not protected by the Second Amendment as they are designed for military use and are not necessary for self-defense.
- The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to this law in 2024, leaving the ban in place.
- Maryland also requires a license to purchase handguns, mandates background checks, and regulates “ghost guns” (unserialized firearms).
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Gun rights advocates continue to challenge Maryland’s laws, arguing that bans on semiautomatic rifles and licensing requirements infringe on Second Amendment rights. However, courts have consistently upheld Maryland’s approach, citing the state’s authority to regulate especially dangerous weapons and the tradition of firearms regulation in the United States.
Impact and Enforcement
The new law is expected to have a significant impact on small businesses involved in the firearms trade, as it restricts the sale and transfer of a range of semiautomatic pistols. State and local agencies are prepared to enforce the new provisions with existing resources, and the penalties for violations are designed to deter illegal conversions and trafficking of convertible pistols.
Maryland’s Key Firearm Restrictions
| Law/Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapon Ban | Prohibits AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar rifles since 2013 |
| Magazine Capacity | 10-round limit on magazines |
| Convertible Pistol Ban (2025) | Bans pistols convertible to machine guns with a switch/auto-sear |
| Licensing Requirements | License and background check required for handgun purchases |
| Rapid-Fire Device Ban | Prohibits bump stocks, binary triggers, and similar devices |
| Ghost Gun Regulation | Requires serialization and background checks for all firearms |
Maryland’s new law banning semiautomatic pistols that can be converted into machine guns with a switch is the latest step in the state’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence and restrict access to particularly dangerous firearms. Supported by a history of judicial approval and a comprehensive regulatory framework, Maryland’s approach continues to serve as a model for gun control advocates nationwide
Sources:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-proposed-bill-glock-switch-automatic-guns-firearms/
- https://www.npr.org/2024/08/07/nx-s1-5066372/federal-appeals-court-upholds-maryland-assault-weapons-ban
- https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/01/gun-rights-advocates-bring-twin-challenges-to-maryland-gun-control-law/
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/fnotes/bil_0007/hb1287.pdf
- https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-rejects-challenges-maryland-assault-weapon-bans-rcna152641
