2019 Maryland Code
Public Safety
Title 5 - Firearms
Subtitle 2 - Rifles and Shotguns
§ 5-203. Possession of short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun
(a) A person may not possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun unless:
(1) the person, while on official business is:
(i) a member of the law enforcement personnel of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State;
(ii) a member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty;
(iii) a member of the law enforcement personnel of another state or a political subdivision of another state, while temporarily in this State;
(iv) a warden or correctional officer of a correctional facility in the State; or
(v) a sheriff or a temporary or full-time deputy sheriff; or
(2) the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law.
(b) In a prosecution under this section, the defendant has the burden of proving the lawful registration of the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle.
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
