# Part 2 – Firearms — Access by Minors

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 59-11 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-11 (2026)

(a) In <em>general</em>.
In this Part, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Ammunition” means any cartridge, shell, or other device that contains explosive or incendiary material and is designed or intended for use in any firearm.

(c) “Child safety lock” means:

  (1) a device that, when locked in place, prevents the trigger from being moved and can itself be removed only by using a key or combination; or

  (2) any other device that:

    (i) when locked in place, otherwise renders the firearm inoperable and can itself be removed only by using a key or combination; and

    (ii) has been approved for this purpose by the Police Commissioner.

(d) “Firearm” means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or other firearm, except an inoperable antique firearm.

*History: Ord. 91-720*

*History: Ord. 98-243*

*History: Ord. 14-307*

*History: Ord. 22-125*

## § 59-12 Access by minors prohibited.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-12 (2026)

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm that is in close proximity to ammunition, in any location where the person knows or reasonably should know that an unsupervised minor might gain access to the firearm.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply if:

  (1) the minor’s access to the firearm is supervised by a person 21 years old or older;

  (2) the firearm is in a locked gun cabinet or similar locked location;

  (3) the firearm is secured with a child safety lock;

  (4) the minor obtained access to the firearm as the result of an unlawful entry to the premises; or

  (5) the firearm is in the possession or control of a law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in official duties.

*History: Ord. 91-720*

*History: Ord. 98-243*

## § 59-13 Safety locks.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-13 (2026)

(a)

  (1) A licensed firearm dealer may not sell, lease, or otherwise transfer a firearm without an accompanying child safety lock suitable for that firearm.

  (2) The dealer must provide the child safety lock to the recipient of the firearm when transferring the firearm.  The dealer may charge for the child safety lock.

(b)

  (1) A licensed firearm dealer who sells, leases, or otherwise transfers a firearm must post conspicuously in the dealer’s place of business:

    (i) a notice of the prohibition in <cite data-path="|19|§59-12">§ 59-12 of this Part</cite> against leaving a firearm where an unsupervised minor can obtain access to it; and

    (ii) a notice of the prohibition in subsection (a) of this section against the transfer of a firearm without an accompanying child safety lock.

  (2) If the transaction occurs outside the dealer’s place of business, or if the dealer does not maintain a place of business in a commercial establishment, the dealer must provide the required notices in writing when transferring the firearm.

*History: Ord. 91-720*

*History: Ord. 98-243*

## § 59-14 Rules and regulations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-14 (2026)

The Police Commissioner may adopt rules and regulations to carry out this Part, including but not limited to rules or regulations governing the wording, size, and placement of the notices required by this Part.

*History: Ord. 91-720*

*History: Ord. 98-243*

## § 59-15

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-15 (2026)

Reserved

## § 59-16 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 59-16 (2026)

Any person who violates any provision of this Part or of a rule or regulation adopted under this Part is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of $1,000 or to imprisonment for 1 year or both.

*History: Ord. 91-720*

*History: Ord. 98-243*