MD SB943

Requires mandatory firearm surrender for all domestic violence protective orders (interim, temporary, and final), expanding from previous law which only required surrender in cases involving firearm use, firearm threats, or serious bodily harm

Respondents must surrender all firearms and handgun qualification licenses to law enforcement within 24 hours of order issuance and provide written proof to the court and sheriff's office within 2 business days

Petitions for protective orders must now include detailed information about respondent's firearm ownership, including location, make/model, storage habits, military service, hunting activities, and mental health history

Law enforcement officers may accompany respondents or proceed independently to seize firearms, and courts may authorize search warrants based on probable cause that firearms were not surrendered

Creates a Task Force to Study the Use of Firearms in Domestic Violence Situations, with 11 members including legislators, law enforcement, and domestic violence advocates, to report recommendations by November 15, 2025