Criminal Law - Prohibitions on Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun - Penalties

HB 354 amends Maryland's criminal law regarding handgun possession by clarifying intent requirements and removing a legal presumption. It eliminates the previous rebuttable presumption that someone transporting a handgun in a vehicle knowingly did so, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution. The bill also explicitly defines "handgun" to exclude antique firearms and certain replicas, while specifying that violations require proof of intent to injure or kill, or that the firearm was loaded. These changes apply to anyone carrying or transporting handguns in prohibited locations like public schools, vehicles on public roads, or with intent to harm.