Maryland’s handgun safety rules survive Supreme Court challenge

Gun control advocates in Maryland celebrated Monday as the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the state’s handgun qualification law, leaving the regulations in place.

The decision preserves Maryland’s strict requirements for handgun purchases, which include safety training, fingerprinting, a background check, and a waiting period. 

Maryland AG praises gun law ruling, advocates push back

What they're saying:

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown applauded the ruling, while gun rights advocates expressed frustration, arguing the rules create unnecessary hurdles for lawful gun ownership.

"It’s a burden. It’s designed to be an obstacle," said Mark Pennak of Maryland Shall Issue, a group challenging the law. "For example, there are no ranges in the city of Baltimore. You have to travel outside the city to fire that one live round."

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Maryland's handgun licensing law struck down by federal appeals court

A federal appeals court on Tuesday struck down Maryland’s handgun licensing law, finding that its requirements, which include submitting fingerprints for a background check and taking a four-hour firearms safety course, are unconstitutionally restrictive.

The backstory:

The law, enacted following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, was briefly overturned by a three-judge panel after a 2022 Supreme Court decision expanded gun rights and required firearm laws to align with the country’s historical traditions. However, the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later upheld Maryland’s law, finding it consistent with historic firearm regulations.

What's next:

The Supreme Court’s refusal to take up the case means the appeals court decision stands, maintaining the law as is.

Separately, the high court is set to consider on Friday whether to hear a challenge to Maryland’s ban on assault weapons, a case that could further shape gun laws in the state and beyond.