Princess Anne, MD – According to WBOC, a proposed firearms tax in Maryland has ignited significant debate among Eastern Shore residents and officials, highlighting tensions between public safety initiatives and economic impacts on local communities.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 118 and sponsored by Sen. Joanne Benson, seeks to impose an 11 percent excise tax on firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition sold by federally licensed dealers. This measure aims to generate revenue dedicated to critical programs addressing gun violence, including the Maryland Violence Intervention Program, the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention, the Survivors of Homicide Victims Program, and various trauma care funds such as those supporting Shock Trauma facilities. Proponents argue that the tax would provide essential funding for intervention efforts and victim support services, fostering safer communities across the state.
However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from key figures on the Eastern Shore, particularly in Worcester County. Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli voiced concerns that the tax would disproportionately burden law-abiding citizens rather than curbing criminal activity. He emphasized that individuals involved in gun crimes rarely acquire weapons through legal retail channels. “Statistically speaking, nine out of ten people who commit gun violence do not purchase their firearms legally through retailers,” Crisafulli stated, underscoring his belief that the tax would fail to address the root causes of violence while penalizing responsible gun owners.
Crisafulli’s objections extend beyond efficacy to potential economic repercussions for Maryland‘s coastal regions. Located near the Delaware border, the Eastern Shore could see a exodus of buyers seeking lower costs in neighboring states. He warned that elevated prices in Maryland might drive customers to Delaware, threatening the viability of local firearms dealers and related businesses. This cross-border shopping trend, he argued, could lead to closures and job losses in an area where small enterprises play a vital role in the economy.
Local business owners echo the sheriff’s sentiments, illustrating the tangible effects the tax could have on everyday operations. At Wink’s Sporting Goods in Princess Anne, owner Jamie Wink expressed apprehension about the proposal’s impact on his store and the broader community. Customers, he noted, could easily drive to Dover, Delaware, avoiding not only Maryland’s 6 percent sales tax but also the additional 11 percent excise, resulting in a combined savings of 17 percent. “You can drive in no time to Dover—and you’re not only saving the 6 percent sales tax, you’d be saving this 11, so 17 percent,” Wink explained.
Wink highlighted the ripple effects beyond his storefront. Several families rely on the business for their livelihoods, and revenue generated there circulates through the local economy, supporting other vendors and services. Reduced in-state sales could limit inventory levels for small retailers like his, potentially diminishing options for Maryland residents and further encouraging out-of-state purchases. This example from Wink’s Sporting Goods serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing Eastern Shore merchants under the proposed policy.
The fiscal framework of Senate Bill 118 outlines that the excise tax would be overseen by the state comptroller, applying to in-state retail sales as well as certain out-of-state purchases by Maryland residents from federally licensed dealers. This broad application aims to ensure comprehensive coverage, but critics like Crisafulli and Wink contend it overlooks the geographic and economic realities of the Eastern Shore.
The bill underwent a hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 11, 2026, where these arguments were likely presented. As of the latest updates from the Maryland General Assembly website, the measure remains under consideration in the Senate, with no final decision reached. A similar initiative introduced the previous year failed to advance to law, suggesting ongoing challenges in balancing firearm regulation with regional concerns.
This debate reflects broader discussions in Maryland about funding strategies for public health and safety amid diverse stakeholder interests. While supporters stress the necessity of dedicated resources for violence prevention and trauma care, opponents on the Eastern Shore prioritize protecting legal access and local economies. As deliberations continue, the outcome of Senate Bill 118 could shape firearm policies and business landscapes in coastal Maryland for years to come. For more information, visit WBOC.