Maryland lawmakers support HB 1287 to ban convertible pistols with Glock switches

The Maryland General Assembly's Judiciary Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1287, a proposed measure aimed at prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transfer of convertible pistols, specifically those that can be easily modified into fully automatic weapons using devices known as Glock switches. The bill has garnered significant attention due to rising concerns over gun violence in the state, particularly incidents involving these modified firearms.

The session began with Deputy State's Attorney Perry Paylor expressing strong support for the bill, highlighting the alarming increase in the accessibility of conversion devices in Maryland. He noted that these devices can transform standard handguns into machine guns capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, significantly raising the potential for mass casualties. Paylor cited recent data indicating that Prince George's County police recovered 47 Glock switches in 2024 alone, with nine already recovered in the current year.

Mary Kana, policy counsel for Everytown for Gun Safety, reinforced the urgency of the bill, emphasizing that Glock and similar manufacturers have long been aware of the risks associated with their designs but have failed to implement necessary changes. She argued that the bill is essential to prevent these dangerous weapons from being accessible to the public, particularly youth.

Several testimonies from community members and law enforcement officials underscored the bill's importance. Yasmin Bridal, a student from Morgan State University, recounted her experience during a mass shooting on campus, which involved a firearm equipped with a Glock switch. She urged the committee to prioritize human safety over corporate profits.

The committee also heard from representatives of the Baltimore Police Department, who reported a troubling trend of increased recoveries of modified firearms. Lieutenant Colonel John Herzog detailed a specific incident where a suspect used a modified Glock to fire dozens of rounds at police officers, illustrating the severe risks posed by these weapons.

Despite the strong support for the bill, some opposition was voiced during the session. Critics argued that the legislation could be overly broad and ambiguous, potentially impacting law-abiding gun owners and law enforcement agencies that rely on Glock firearms. They expressed concerns that the bill might not effectively address the underlying issues of gun violence and could inadvertently push the market for these firearms underground.

The committee concluded the session with a commitment to further review the bill and its implications, including potential amendments to address concerns raised during the discussions. The outcome of House Bill 1287 remains to be seen, but it reflects a growing legislative effort in Maryland to tackle the challenges posed by easily convertible firearms and enhance public safety.