Maryland lawmakers have introduced House Bill 1287 (HB 1287), a controversial proposal that seeks to ban the sale, purchase, and transfer of any semi-automatic pistol that can be converted into a fully automatic weapon using a simple device like an auto-sear or “Glock switch.” The bill, introduced by Delegate Williams and others, adds to Maryland’s already strict gun control laws and has ignited a fierce debate about gun rights, public safety, and the effectiveness of firearm regulations.
A Contentious Bill
Supporters argue that this bill is necessary to curb the rising threat of modified handguns in violent crimes. Opponents, however, see it as an overreach that could lead to a de facto handgun ban, affecting legal gun owners while doing little to stop criminals. The battle over HB 1287 is unfolding in legislative hearings, media reports, lawsuits, and online discussions, making it one of the most contentious firearm-related bills in Maryland’s recent history.
What the Bill Proposes
The language of HB 1287 is relatively straightforward but has wide implications. It prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of any semi-automatic pistol that can be converted into a machine gun solely by the attachment of a switch or auto-sear. The bill defines such firearms as “convertible pistols” and treats them as inherently dangerous, regardless of whether they have actually been modified.
Violators of the bill would face misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. While the penalties are similar to existing firearm restrictions, the bill’s scope is unprecedented. The Maryland Department of Legislative Services notes that HB 1287 could have a meaningful effect on small firearms businesses, as it would effectively outlaw a significant portion of handguns commonly sold today.
The Growing Threat of Glock Switches
At the heart of the bill is the concern over “Glock switches,” small devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. These devices allow a gun to fire as many as 1,200 rounds per minute, making them comparable to military-grade machine guns.
According to a CBS News Baltimore report by Kelsey Kushner, law enforcement officials across Maryland have been alarmed by the rising number of handguns modified with Glock switches. Baltimore City Police have recovered over 100 convertible pistols in the last two years, many of them used in violent crimes. Law enforcement officials testified before lawmakers, stressing that these weapons have been found at crime scenes across the state.
“This was rapid fire, it was very quick,” said a Morgan State University student in reference to a mass shooting in 2023, where five people were injured during Homecoming weekend. That shooting was carried out with a Glock pistol modified with a switch.
The Lawsuit Against Glock
The fight against modified handguns in Maryland isn’t just taking place in the legislature. In February 2025, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott filed a lawsuit against Glock, arguing that the company has knowingly designed its firearms to be easily modified into machine guns.
“Since 1990, Glock has manufactured a pistol that can easily be converted into a machine gun,” Brown stated, as reported by CBS News’ Christian Olaniran. The lawsuit alleges that Glock is aware of this flaw but has done nothing to prevent the modifications, making them complicit in the state’s gun violence crisis.
While the lawsuit is separate from HB 1287, it reinforces the same argument: Maryland leaders believe that preventing access to easily modified firearms is essential to reducing gun violence. The legal battle could set a precedent for holding gun manufacturers accountable for how their weapons are used.
Concerns About the Bill’s Scope
While HB 1287 targets modified handguns, critics argue that its language is too broad and could effectively ban most semi-automatic pistols in the state. According to William Kirk, president of the YouTube channel Washington Gun Law, the bill’s wording could encompass nearly every striker-fired handgun, not just Glocks.
“Any semi-automatic firearm, especially those with detachable magazines, could theoretically be modified with an auto-sear,” Kirk explained. “That means that under this bill, almost every semi-automatic handgun could be labeled as a ‘convertible pistol’ and banned from sale.”
This concern is echoed by gun owners and Second Amendment advocates. On Reddit, user u/Delski28 expressed frustration over the bill’s constitutionality, stating, “There needs to be some sort of punitive action against lawmakers that propose blatantly unconstitutional laws.”
User u/SCHULTZY pointed out the financial burden such legislation places on the state: “It isn’t their money that is wasted when the state spends years fighting for a knowingly unconstitutional law.”
Political Viability: Will the Bill Pass?
While HB 1287 has strong support among some lawmakers and anti-gun violence groups, its political future remains uncertain. A CBS News report suggests that similar legislation in New York failed in committee, casting doubt on whether Maryland’s bill will fare any better.
On Reddit, user u/MacEWork dismissed the bill’s chances, saying, “It’s not going to pass the GA anyway. Probably never even come up for a vote.” However, even if HB 1287 fails, supporters believe it keeps the conversation about stricter gun control alive, potentially leading to future legislative efforts.
Gun Violence in Maryland: A Driving Factor
The push for HB 1287 comes amid a broader effort to curb gun violence in Maryland. Although overall crime has been declining, certain high-profile incidents have renewed concerns.
In March 2025, a 16-year-old student was shot and killed outside Lansdowne High School in Baltimore County. Another double homicide took place in Howard County outside Columbia Mall in February. The victims were both high school students, highlighting concerns about youth gun violence.
According to U.S. Attorney’s Office data, homicides in Maryland have decreased 32% since 2021, and 41% in Baltimore City. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott credits this drop to the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, but he also acknowledges that illegal firearms remain a major issue.
Gun Rights Advocates Push Back
Gun rights groups such as Maryland Shall Issue (MSI) and the National Rifle Association (NRA) are actively opposing HB 1287. John Weber from the NRA argued, “This is not a targeted solution, it’s a sweeping approach that could strip Marylanders of their constitutional rights.”
MSI’s Mark Pennak has testified against the bill, arguing that it would criminalize lawful gun owners while failing to prevent criminals from modifying firearms illegally. Critics of the bill argue that law enforcement should focus on targeting illegal gun traffickers and violent offenders rather than restricting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Even if HB 1287 becomes law, legal experts predict that it will face immediate court challenges. Some opponents argue that the bill contradicts District of Columbia v. Heller, the 2008 Supreme Court ruling that established an individual’s right to own handguns for self-defense.
Reddit user u/AirBearPro commented, “Doubt that’ll pass the smell test with any court, certainly not the Supreme Court. Everything they’re trying to ban falls under ‘commonly owned firearms.’”
The Future of HB 1287
The debate over HB 1287 underscores the deep divide in the U.S. over gun control. While supporters view it as a necessary step to reduce gun violence, opponents see it as an unconstitutional overreach that could outlaw common handguns.
As Maryland lawmakers continue to debate the bill, one thing is clear: the fight over gun rights and regulations in the state is far from over. Whether HB 1287 passes or not, the battle over firearm laws will continue in legislatures, courts, and public discourse for years to come.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.
