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Committee backs bill banning ‘auto sear’ switches that convert pistols into machine guns
Summary
Lorenzo Bellamy told the committee SB334/HB577 would make it illegal to install 'auto sear' switches that convert firearms into rapidly firing weapons, with law-enforcement ownership and procurement exempted; the committee moved favorable, 5-0.
On Feb. 10 the General Assembly Committee recommended a favorable position on Senate Bill 334 (and cross-file House Bill 577), which would criminalize installing so-called 'auto sear' switches into firearms manufactured to be easily converted into machine guns.
Lorenzo Bellamy of Bellamy Group summarized the bill’s effect, saying that adding an auto sear to a convertible pistol would make it illegal in Maryland because the device enables rapid automatic fire. Bellamy noted law-enforcement possession and procurement would be exempt from the prohibition.
The committee recorded county support for the measure; no substantive amendments were offered during the meeting. Chair Wanika Fisher moved a favorable recommendation, seconded by Vice Chair Adam Stafford; the motion carried unanimously, 5-0.
Bellamy said the bill had been heard in previous committee sessions and was scheduled for further hearings.
