§ 13-39A-01

(a) In this subtitle, “guide” means the youth suicide prevention and firearm safe storage guide developed under subsection (b) of this section.

(b) On or before January 1, 2024, the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services shall develop a youth suicide prevention and firearm safe storage guide.

(c) The guide developed under subsection (b) of this section shall:

(1) Provide a description of the firearm and ammunition requirements for safely storing firearms under State law;

(2) Identify the risks associated with unsafe firearm storage for minors, including:

(i) Suicide;

(ii) Death or serious bodily injury from accidental discharge; and

(iii) Shooting incidents involving minors; and

(3) Incorporate best practices for firearm and ammunition safe storage.

(d) The Department shall:

(1) Post the guide on its website;

(2) Make an electronic version of the guide available to families, health and social services providers, and any other entities that have an interest in youth suicide prevention or firearms storage, including:

(i) Behavioral health programs;

(ii) The Department of Juvenile Services;

(iii) Firearms dealers licensed by the federal government;

(iv) Local health departments;

(v) Local school systems;

(vi) The Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities;

(vii) The Maryland Association of Youth Service Bureaus;

(viii) State and local law enforcement agencies;

(ix) The State Department of Education; and

(x) Instructors who have been licensed or certified by the Department of State Police to teach firearm safety training courses; and

(3) Provide grants to local school systems, local health departments, and nonprofit agencies to support the education of families on the safe storage practices recommended in the guide.