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State police propose 24-hour security-breach notice for firearms dealers; industry calls it duplicative (SB 160)

Judicial Proceedings Committee · January 22, 2026
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Summary

Maryland State Police told the committee that Senate Bill 160 would require licensed firearms dealers to notify the licensing division within 24 hours of events compromising mandated security features so state compliance can inspect; industry groups opposed, calling the requirement duplicative of ATF and local reporting.

Lieutenant John Hill of the Maryland State Police Licensing Division said SB 160 would require licensed firearms dealers to notify the licensing division within 24 hours after discovering any event that compromises mandated security features, in addition to reporting crimes to local law enforcement and the ATF. Hill said the State Police currently learn of incidents through ATF or local agencies unevenly and sometimes via social media; the bill would ensure the licensing compliance unit is notified promptly so auditors can verify security measures and compliance.

Opponents, including Matthew Pica of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said dealers already report break-ins and thefts to local law enforcement and to ATF (federal reporting within 48 hours for lost/stolen firearms) and argued SB 160 would create a duplicative state reporting mandate and impose compliance uncertainty because the phrase "any other event" was undefined.

The committee questioned how notification would occur (email, live help, phone) and was told it could be any of those approaches with a timestamp. The committee concluded testimony without a recorded vote.