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House approves bill requiring destruction of firearms in buybacks, adds serial‑number checks
Summary
Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 775, which mandates destruction of firearms collected through gun buyback programs but requires theft/evidence checks so stolen weapons can be returned; opponents included 2A Maryland and the NRA, according to the floor record.
The House voted to approve Senate Bill 775, a measure that requires that firearms collected in gun buyback programs be destroyed, while adding procedural checks to run serial numbers so stolen weapons or those linked to crimes may be identified and retained as evidence or returned.
On the floor the committee chair said the bill "requires the destruction of firearms in the buyback program in the gun buyback program," and noted the measure also requires a serial‑number check. The sponsor and other members explained that if a firearm is determined to be stolen or evidence of a crime, it would not be destroyed and could be returned. The transcript lists opposition organizations that testified in committee or registered opposition: 2A Maryland, Women for Gun Rights and the NRA.
After discussion, the House recorded the roll call and Senate Bill 775 passed third reading with 96 affirmative votes and 36 opposed. The bill's implementation will involve local buyback organizers and law enforcement procedures to screen surrendered weapons for theft reports or evidence flags prior to destruction.
