Earlier this year, NSSF^® notified you of legislation that had been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly that would require background checks for ammunition purchases. Sponsored by Democratic Delegate Shaneka Henson, House Bill 175 would have implemented California-style background checks on ammunition purchases, requiring FFLs and “ammunition vendors” to conduct a NICS background check at the point-of-sale for all ammunition sales and transfers. Additionally, the bill would require FFLs and “ammunition vendors” to maintain sales records of all ammunition transactions, and make this information available to the Secretary of State Police.

Throughout the legislative process, NSSF strongly opposed HB 175 and worked with those in the Maryland House of Delegates to defeat the bill. We are pleased to report HB 175 has been given an “unfavorable report” by the House Judiciary Committee and was subsequently withdrawn by the bill sponsor.

NSSF thanks all those who heeded our call earlier this year about contacting members of the House Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 175. We will continue our work in the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of the firearm industry and keep you updated on any other issues of importance.