This chapter applies to: An individual who is required by law to attend a certified firearms safety training course in order to purchase, rent, or transfer a regulated firearm; A person seeking certification from the Commission to offer certified firearms safety training under this chapter; A firearms safety training course approved by the Commission; and A firearms safety instructor certified by the Commission. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Certified firearms safety instructor” means an individual certified under this chapter to conduct a certified firearms safety training course. “Certified firearms training course” means an instructional program approved by the Commission to teach the safe handling of a regulated firearm. “Commission” means the Police Training Commission or an employee authorized to act in its behalf. “Deputy Director” means the Deputy Director of the Police and Correctional Training Commissions, or a designee. “Police officer” has the meaning stated in Public Safety Article, §3-201(e), Annotated Code of Maryland. “Regulated firearm” has the meaning stated in Public Safety Article, §5-101, Annotated Code of Maryland. A firearms safety instructor shall be certified in order to conduct a certified firearms safety training course under this chapter. Requirements for a Certified Firearms Safety Instructor. An individual is eligible to conduct a certified firearms safety training course if the individual is: A certified police officer who has completed: Commission requirements for entrance-level firearms training; and Probationary employment requirements as a police officer; or Certified to conduct a certified firearms safety training course by: The Commission; The Department of Natural Resources; The Department of State Police; or A reputable organization having as one of its objectives the promotion of competency and safety in handling handguns. Commission Certification Procedure. An individual seeking certification as a firearms safety instructor under §B(2)(a) of this regulation shall: Submit a request for certification to the Deputy Director for approval; and Include a resume or other documentation indicating the individual's qualification to conduct the certified firearms safety training course. Commission approval is required for a certified firearms safety training course designed to meet the requirements specified under Public Safety Article, §3-208, Annotated Code of Maryland. A certified firearms safety training course shall include the following elements: A handgun safety component; Safe handling of a regulated firearm; Rendering a regulated firearm safe; Safe carrying and transporting of a regulated firearm; Security and storage of a regulated firearm; and Restricting access to a regulated firearm by an individual: Younger than 21 years old; or Not legally permitted to possess a regulated firearm. A certified firearms safety training course shall: Be approved by the Commission; Have a handgun safety component; and Be conducted by a certified firearms safety instructor. If the certified firearms safety training course is offered by the Commission, it: Shall: Be presented by a certified firearms safety instructor; Be open to all individuals required by law to complete a certified firearms safety training course; Be offered at least weekly in all geographic areas of Maryland after regular business hours; Require attendance throughout the duration of the course for successful completion; and Be free of charge to all individuals seeking to take the course; and May not: Be more than 2 hours in length; and Include a test, examination, or other measure of comprehension. Commission Approval Procedure. A person seeking approval for a certified firearms safety training course under this regulation shall: Submit a request for approval to the Deputy Director; and Include a description of the course to be presented. Documentation of Completion. The certified firearms safety instructor shall provide to each individual attending the certified firearms safety training course a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion shall contain the following information: Full name of the individual attending the course; Address of the individual; Date and location of the training course; and Name of the certified firearms safety instructor. The certified firearms safety instructor shall forward a list of all individuals attending the certified firearms safety training course to the Commission within 2 weeks. Public Safety Article, §3-208, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)