Handgun Permits - Special Endorsement for Security Clearance Holders

HB 820 would require Maryland's Secretary of State Police to add a special endorsement to handgun permits for current or retired U.S. government employees who hold or held Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. This endorsement allows permit holders to carry a handgun in any location where law enforcement officials are permitted to carry while performing their duties. The bill specifies that eligibility requires either current employment with such clearance or 10 consecutive years of clearance prior to retirement. It directs the Secretary to adopt implementing regulations and takes effect October 1, 2026.