Maryland has enacted laws that regulate firearm sales, parts, accessories, and industry practices in ways that create complex compliance requirements and meaningful legal exposure for out-of-state sellers. As a result, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, ammunition, or related products into Maryland.
What Is Maryland HB 947 (Gun Industry Responsibility Act of 2024)?
Maryland HB 947, commonly referred to as the Gun Industry Responsibility Act of 2024, expands civil liability for firearm industry members. It authorizes certain government entities to bring civil actions when they believe a firearm industry member failed to use “reasonable controls” and that failure contributed to public harm.
Official bill information:
https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB947/2024
Additional reporting/overview:
https://marylandmatters.org/2024/05/31/civil-liability-for-gun-industry-among-state-laws-going-into-effect-june-1/
Why Does This Increase Risk for Online Retailers?
HB 947 increases potential civil exposure by expanding the situations where a seller’s business practices may be challenged in court. Even when a retailer follows federal rules, Maryland law may allow claims arguing that sales, marketing, or distribution practices did not include sufficient “reasonable controls.” Defending against these claims can be expensive and disruptive, even when the retailer believes it acted responsibly.
Other Maryland Laws That Add to the Compliance Burden
Maryland also has additional firearm restrictions and requirements that complicate shipments and reduce predictability for out-of-state sellers, including:
- Unserialized / privately made firearm restrictions: Maryland regulates unserialized firearms and certain unfinished frames/receivers, including requirements that can involve serialization and compliance steps.
https://news.maryland.gov/msp/2022/05/31/registration-of-unserialized-privately-made-firearms-in-effect-as-of-june-1-2022/ - Assault weapon and magazine restrictions: Maryland restricts certain firearms and limits the transfer of magazines over a defined capacity (commonly referenced as a 10-round limit for certain transfers).
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/assault-weapons-in-maryland/
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/large-capacity-magazines-in-maryland/ - Transfer and compliance rules: Maryland has additional rules around regulated firearm transfers (including dealer processing and state-level requirements) that exceed common “ship-to-door” e-commerce workflows.
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/gun-laws-in-maryland/
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. Maryland’s expanded civil liability framework and compliance environment increase the cost, operational complexity, and legal exposure for out-of-state retailers beyond what is practical for Arm Or Ally.
Will Arm Or Ally Sell to Maryland in the Future?
At this time, no. Until Maryland law becomes clearer, more stable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, or ammunition into Maryland.
