Public Safety – Handgun Permits – Firearms Training Course

SB 677 modifies Maryland's requirements for handgun permit applicants by increasing the mandatory firearms training course duration. It requires a minimum of 16 hours of in-person instruction for new applicants (up from 8 hours) and maintains 8 hours for renewals, both including specific classroom content. The training must cover state and federal firearm laws, safe storage, prohibited possession scenarios, self-defense, and locations where firearms are banned. This directly affects individuals applying for or renewing handgun permits in Maryland. The bill does not change other permit criteria like age, criminal history, or background checks.