Bill would exempt permit holders and law enforcement from Maryland's 7‑day handgun waiting period
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Summary
Senate Bill 27 seeks to eliminate the 7‑day waiting period for handgun purchases by current handgun owners, permit holders and (retired) law enforcement, arguing modern electronic NCIC checks and recent court precedent have removed the original need for a delay. Firearms groups and dealers testified in favor; no opposition panel offered in the hearing.
Senator William Faulden presented SB 27, which would remove the seven‑day waiting period for handgun purchases for persons who already hold handguns, concealed‑carry permits, and current and retired law enforcement. The sponsor and supporters said the original 7‑day requirement reflected a mail‑based system; electronic background checks now take minutes and the delay is obsolete.
John Jocelyn and Mark Penick testified in support, with Penick pointing to the Tenth Circuit decision in Ortega v. Grisham (New Mexico) that struck an analogous waiting‑period law as guidance that the state's arbitrary delay is constitutionally vulnerable. Witnesses emphasized that federal NCIC checks and state electronic forms remain in force and the bill would not alter background‑check requirements.
Committee members had no substantive questions in the hearing, and proponents urged a favorable report.
