House adopts favorable report on bill limiting firearm possession to court‑ordered assisted outpatient treatment participants

The Maryland House of Delegates adopted the favorable report on House Bill 592, a measure that would prohibit possession of firearms by respondents enrolled in court‑ordered assisted outpatient treatment (AOT).

Lawmakers debated whether the bill would affect people who voluntarily enter treatment. An unidentified delegate asked whether voluntary participation would trigger a firearms prohibition, citing hunters and recreational shooters who might seek care. The floor leader responded: “They must be court ordered.”

The floor leader added, “This is strictly for individuals who've been court ordered under [an] assisted outpatient treatment program. This is not for persons who have voluntarily, voluntarily participating in any type of mental illness treatment.” He further said the limitation applies when a court or the care team finds an individual is “potentially, at risk of harm to themselves or to others.”

The House recorded the committee’s favorable report as adopted and ordered the bill printed for third reading. No roll‑call vote with member names was recorded on the floor transcript; the clerk announced the ayes had it.

Why it matters: The bill would narrow a restriction on firearm possession to people subject to court‑ordered AOT, distinguishing them from people who seek voluntary mental‑health services. Proponents framed the measure as targeted to individuals deemed by courts and clinical teams to pose a risk; opponents raised questions about how courts and clinicians would make that determination and the interplay with existing civil or criminal proceedings.

Next steps: The bill was ordered printed for third reading. Further hearings or floor votes will determine whether it moves to final passage.